The term self-centered has a negative connotation, and understandably so. In most areas of life, being self-centered is seen as being selfish. In recovery, being self-centered has a different meaning – deciding to make yourself a priority and learning how to be independent. Being self-centered and putting yourself first is a crucial part of recovery. But how do you put yourself first?

Seek treatment and ask the tough questions. Recovery is the time to advocate for yourself. Ask yourself important questions such as:

· How often will you see a therapist?

· What will you do if you relapse?

· What is your treatment philosophy?

Ask for help. Asking for help can be difficult and frightening, but it does not mean that you have failed or that you are a burden. The important thing to remember is that you have people in your life who love you and want to see you get better. Most likely, they are eagerly waiting for you to decide to put yourself and recovery first. Your friends and loved ones want to support you and encourage you to put yourself first.

Invest in recovery over the long haul. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. If you give yourself time to recover, you will start to rediscover your true self and will eventually get to the point where you love your true self. Just like with any relationship, you need to commit to recovery as an ongoing process full of difficulties and unforgettable experiences.

Remove toxic elements from your life. It’s important to really be honest with yourself. What are your current triggers? How do you set boundaries with the people in your life? Whatever your challenges and roadblocks to recovery might be, it is important to identify and work through them.

Ultimately, the important thing is not what anyone else thinks or feels about you. It is you and your recovery. It is loving yourself the way your friends and family love you and following through on that self-love by committing to positive change. As you seek recovery, do not feel ashamed to put your needs first; it is not self-centered to recover and live a more fulfilling life.