We have all heard the age-old saying that honesty is the best policy. When it comes to addiction, honesty is not the only necessity for a successful recovery. Vulnerability is a critical component to recovery that helps you to achieve your goals. But what is vulnerability, and why is it so important? Read on to learn more about the importance of vulnerability in treatment and why it is necessary for recovery.

Why Vulnerability Helps in the Treatment Process

Vulnerability is defined as being in a position open or susceptible to injury. When it comes to addiction and recovery, we especially refer to vulnerability in relation to our emotions. The difficult part about being open to injury, physical or emotional, is that it is not a natural state. This is why so many people might be afraid to be vulnerable. It does not come naturally to us because we do not want to expose our wounds and injuries. In fact, we tend to hide these parts of ourselves, especially if we suffer from addiction.

Vulnerability is uncomfortable. Ordinarily, in these situations, we instinctively seek to protect ourselves by building walls and utilizing an array of defense mechanisms. In some cases, natural instinct may protect us. However, in other cases, such as with addiction, it can hinder our ability to recover. Identifying vulnerability and embracing this state can greatly aid in the recovery process. You need to become open and transparent about your addiction in order to recover. Your therapist can help you if you are having trouble with vulnerability and can help guide you through the process.

Vulnerabilities vs. Triggers

It is also important to identify the difference between vulnerabilities and triggers. Though they may sound similar, the key difference between the two is that triggers are singular, short-term events. Vulnerabilities are continuous states of mind. For example, vulnerability may be something such as chronic stress at work, while a trigger may be a singular disagreement with a coworker. Identifying and understanding both vulnerabilities and triggers will make long-term recovery more likely.

Genetics Can Be A Factor

Masking susceptibility can contribute to substance dependence. While genetics may be a root cause of addiction, it also contributes to your likelihood to develop an addiction. Even if your addiction is currently inactive, it has the ability to become active in the future. That is because short-term fixes briefly alleviate the feeling of vulnerability. Consequently, people seek drugs, alcohol, food and other temporary means to numb their pain.

We must confront the root of our addiction head-on and embrace vulnerability in order to get to the root of these issues. This way, our therapy and treatment methods can help you form healthy habits to deal with pain in ways that do not involve drugs or alcohol. Our treatment programs can help you understand the cause of your addiction and provide you with ways to overcome it.

How Liberty Bay and Vulnerability Treatment Can Help

Though being vulnerable may put you at risk for anguish, pain, or other perceived negativity, the benefit of confronting your addiction head-on may allow you to make a complete, long-term recovery. Do not let substances mask vulnerability. Instead, you should aim to understand, embrace, and work through it.

Therapy and residential recovery programs may be the best option for you to tackle enduring vulnerabilities and reach your goals. A brighter future awaits you, and we can help you get started today! Contact Liberty Bay’s Maine addiction treatment center at (855) 607-8758. Our staff and professionals have the resources available to help get you on the path to recovery for a brighter future.