Kids will be kids and part of their daily life consists of fitting in with their friends. Sometimes this can be rather difficult with all the teasing, ridiculing, and bullying that occurs in school. Teenagers are especially prone to this type of behavior because of the exposure of their environmental and social factors that surround them along with the immaturity that teens frequently exhibit.
A teenager that has experienced substance abuse while their community may have watched their downfall first hand, could be subjected to teasing and bullying once they return from rehab. Although most people will be pleased with the strides that the teen has made to get sober, there could be a person or two who could care less about what this sober teen has been through and make snide comments at their expense. The teen should continue with their efforts in recovery and do their best to disregard what other people think of them.
Stick with the winners
There will always be haters, as such as life, but you must not engage. Find new friends in recovery or hang with old friends who have your best interest at heart. Keeping friends around who do not support you will ultimately poke holes in your spirituality and in your serenity, which are two crucial aspects in recovery. You want to be around people who make you feel good about yourself even if that means your list of friends getting smaller. Quality will enhance your sobriety more so than quantity.
Find your solution
When someone starts in on you and your past endeavors, you may automatically get defensive and hurt. This is a normal humanistic trait when someone tries to break you down mentally. Your best defense against this type of behavior is to walk away with your dignity and pride. Although not caring about the opinions of others is easier said than done, you should try. Use the connection with your Higher Power, breathing exercises, or mindfulness to pull you out of your resentment.
You did not get sober to allow people, places, and things to have power over what you are doing right now in this moment. If people want to reflect on your past mistakes instead of focusing on your courageous sobriety, let them. In the meantime, you should go to your happy place in recovery and stay there as long as you can.
If you or an adolescent you know needs to get help for drug or alcohol abuse, Stonewater Adolescent Recovery Center can give you the guidance that you deserve. Establishing a strong network of family and community can reinforce practices for living substance free.
Call us today to start living in your recovery: 662-598-4214