Positive psychology not only impacts your mental health, but physical, spiritual and social health too. There’s an old saying in many Twelve Step fellowships that goes “a grateful alcoholic will never drink” or “a grateful addict will never use”. While clearly scientifically impossible to prove and surely not “evidence-based”, this theory seems to hold some weight in relation to the importance of gratitude in recovery.
- Scientific studies tell us that gratitude can benefit a person’s recovery experience.
- There’s an old saying in many Twelve Step fellowships that goes “a grateful alcoholic will never drink” or “a grateful addict will never use”.
Every day, take just a moment or two to write down a few things that make you grateful. It could be spending an afternoon with a friend or watching the sunrise. Then, if you’re having an especially difficult day, read over some of the things that have filled you with gratitude. It’s an internal quality — the ability to feel appreciation for a life free from addiction.
Anna’s Journey of Transformation with Lifeskills Treatment Center
Entering treatment is the first step to recovery, and we focus on equipping clients with coping and self-care skills for reintegration back into life once out of treatment. Our program goes above and beyond to empower individuals during their recovery. Cultivating gratitude is an important part of recovery and gratitude is recognized as one of the foundational virtues in the creation of happiness. If individuals are grateful to be on the road to recovery, then it’s less likely they will relapse because they are empowered to move forward.
- We provide treatment services for adults with alcohol, opioid, and other substance use disorders.
- You can practice gratitude by writing a journal or make a gratitude list as a reminder.
- However, if you find that you’re always having a hard time, perhaps shifting your perspective can help.
- Often, just by going through the motions, you’ll find yourself feeling grateful by the end of the day.
- Without challenge and obstacles, we will never learn to stretch ourselves and grow.
You can let go of all the bad memories of the day and reminding your subconscious mind about good incidents before sleep. This way you are feeling more relaxed and get a perfect sleep without fear of uncertainty of each day. If you can not develop a habit to write a journal than just try 5 minutes of gratitude exercise. Life is hard but the best thing that reminds you what makes you happy is gratitude. Gratitude is a feeling of appreciation felt by and/or similar positive response shown by the recipient of kindness, gifts, help, favors, or other types of generosity, towards the giver of such gifts. Are you looking for more ideas for how to stay committed to sobriety?
Recovery Coaching
Remember that there is no right or wrong way in cultivating gratitude while in recovery. You can personalize and adapt gratitude practices to suit your unique circumstances and preferences. importance of gratitude in recovery The important thing is to be consistent in incorporating gratitude into your recovery journey. Affirmations are positive statements that you repeat to reinforce your beliefs and attitudes.
- You will have the coping mechanism to avoid drugs or alcohol and use healthier, substance-free activities to live a happy, fulfilling life.
- This multiplies and before you know it your life is beyond your wildest dreams.
- You’ll also notice the small improvements you make, the support you get from friends and family and the beauty of sober living.
- Instead, it can improve your gratitude and remind you that the fight to stay sober is worth the effort.
With gratitude comes a less selfish attitude so they can focus their attention on others. Practicing gratitude in recovery helps people to become more optimistic, have more in control of their lives, and be less stressed. Making an effort to practice gratitude regularly https://ecosoberhouse.com/ can have an incredibly positive impact on your mental health. It forces you to appreciate the progress you’ve made, enjoy even the minor things in life and acknowledge everything in life that helps you — such as people, your body, medication and more.