Most people have experienced some form of impostor syndrome, where they feel excessive self-doubt about their place in a group or situation. Individuals with substance use disorder (SUD) may feel alienated from others, isolated, or uncertain about their place in the sober community. Studies have shown that the “syndrome is a commonly reported and experienced phenomenon that affects high-functioning, high-achieving individuals.” Low self-confidence and unreasonable expectations may cause people to experience this condition. Bright Mission Recovery helps clients overcome impostor syndrome using therapy and other support services.
What Is Imposter Syndrome?
Imposter syndrome is a behavioral issue that causes people to feel like a fraud who lacks the necessary skills to meet social, educational, or career expectations. According to the Journal of General Internal Medicine, “Impostor syndrome (also known as impostor phenomenon, fraud syndrome, perceived fraudulence, or impostor experience) describes high-achieving individuals who, despite their objective successes, fail to internalize their accomplishments and have persistent self-doubt and fear of being exposed as a fraud or impostor.”
Individuals recovering from chronic substance abuse may experience the impostor phenomenon in the sober community due to the following:
- Feeling “not sober enough”
- Struggling with guilt or shame about past behaviors
- Questioning whether progress is real or simply a side effect of “faking it”
- Fear of being “found out” as not feeling confident in sobriety
- Feeling disconnected from sober communities
- Fear of future relapse
- Feeling like an impostor due to continued cravings and intrusive thoughts
Anyone can experience impostor syndrome regardless of age, gender, or socioeconomic status. Bright Mission Recovery uses skill development and other tools to teach clients how to overcome these feelings. Recognizing successes in rehabilitation reduces the sense of isolation or “otherness” experienced by many people with impostor syndrome.
Feeling Isolated and Alienated
Abusing substances and participating in treatment programs may cause some people to feel isolated and alienated from families, friends, or peer groups. People are more likely to experience impostor syndrome at work, school, or in relationships if they feel isolated in other ways.
Bright Mission Recovery uses peer support, family therapy, and other services to address clients struggling with self-isolating behaviors. According to Frontiers in Psychology, “Receiving proper mentoring, seeking the help of experts, and embarking on appropriate psychotherapies may be worthy avenues to pursue in this prevalent syndrome.” Positive social interactions during rehabilitation improve confidence and self-esteem. Individuals in treatment or aftercare experience fewer instances of impostor syndrome if they feel confident in their abilities.
Imposter Syndrome in the Sober Community
Individuals in the sober community may have a higher risk of experiencing the impostor phenomenon. Everyone has different expectations for treatment and sobriety. Overachievers or individuals who put a lot of worth in how other people think of them may experience significant self-doubt. Setbacks may hit these individuals harder and cause them to feel failure, guilt, shame, or other negative emotions. Bright Mission Recovery addresses these issues by helping clients navigate sobriety using realistic goals and expectations.
MAT, Prescription Medications, and Claiming Sobriety
Some people feel like an impostor in the sober community if they use prescription medications to manage their condition. Individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) or alcohol use disorder (AUD) may benefit from being prescribed certain medications that reduce cravings or provide other forms of relief. Claiming sobriety while taking prescription medications may cause some people to experience emotional distress and feelings of “faking” recovery. Bright Mission Recovery educates clients on the benefits of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to reduce the risk of relapse and improve treatment outcomes. The care team reassures clients on the validity of using prescription medications to maintain abstinence from alcohol or drugs.
How Does Imposter Syndrome Manifest During Rehabilitation?
According to the Journal of Drug Issues, “The qualities of an individual’s self-perception have been repeatedly associated with substance use.” Clients participating in rehabilitation programs may notice feelings of self-doubt, including:
- Questioning whether they “deserve” treatment
- Dismissing personal growth and attributing all positive changes to external factors
- Downplaying milestones in treatment to avoid being exposed as a “fraud”
- Struggling to accept praise for positive changes
- Feeling inauthentic in therapy sessions
Self-doubt is a product of low self-esteem and a negative self-image. Peer support, therapy, and a strong support network can reduce feelings of self-doubt by building confidence and resilience. Clinicians empower clients to heal and develop a healthier self-image that combats the impostor phenomenon.
Bright Mission Recovery Helps Clients Gain Confidence in Their Recovery
The team at Bright Mission Recovery uses evidence-based and alternative holistic therapies to help clients gain confidence in their recovery and develop a positive sense of self. Overcoming unexpected challenges in recovery, including the impostor phenomenon, prepares clients for the future.
Being able to look back and see the trajectory of personal growth empowers people to continue healing and making positive changes. Clinicians teach clients to identify and change negative thought patterns contributing to the impostor phenomenon and other maladaptive beliefs.
Everyone feels self-doubt sometimes. However, people who feel like a fraud frequently or to a degree where it interferes with their life may struggle with impostor syndrome. Healing from the effects of chronic substance abuse takes time and hard work. Some people may feel like they have not “done enough” to be considered part of the sober community. Imposter syndrome can impact mental health and interfere with treatment for SUD. Bright Mission Recovery uses psychotherapy, psychoeducation, family therapy, peer support, and other services to help clients better understand their condition and develop a healthier sense of self. To learn more about our programs and how we support clients, call us today at (747) 444-3284.