Cowan (26) was surprisingly named Highlanders captain yesterday, just six months after his future in the sport appeared to be in jeopardy.
"Last year was a challenge and a real learning process. In hindsight - and hindsight is a wonderful thing - I was glad it happened.
"It made me wake up to where I was going in my life."
The Southland halfback was arrested three times last year, convicted twice on disorderly behaviour charges, and then put on an alcohol ban by the New Zealand Rugby Union.
A third disorderly behaviour charge was dropped by police.
But he also played his way into the All Blacks and was the first choice halfback on the end-of-year Grand Slam tour.
Cowan said yesterday he was now more aware of what was required to be a professional athlete.
"I'm coming up 27 soon. You need to realise what a professional athlete has to do and what responsibilities you have.
"Probably over the past six to seven months I've matured as a person. Just everything in the way I conduct myself."
Cowan had a few drinks over the Christmas period with friends and family but said he was not drinking now the rugby season had started, and his contract with the New Zealand Rugby Union stated he could not drink.
"But I don't miss it. Not at all. That is what comes with the territory and I just want to have a good season."
He said it was an honour to be given the captaincy and he wanted to do the region proud.
"I'm not really surprised to be given the captaincy but it was more of something that I hadn't thought about. But when I was asked, I thought this is something you do not turn down.
"I wanted to add some leadership to my game. I'm 100% committed and looking forward to the challenge ahead."
