As a core principle of many recovery programs, the word gratitude gets thrown around a lot. Expressing gratitude has been shown to enhance relationship dynamics, making individuals more positive towards their partners and more comfortable expressing relationship concerns. By acknowledging and appreciating the support and love received, why is gratitude important in recovery individuals in recovery can nurture their relationships and foster a deeper sense of connection. Suffering from a substance use disorder can cause you to do things you aren’t proud of. However, a substance use disorder is a disease, it’s often the result of choices you made, but choices you made without the intention to become addicted.
Maintaining a Positive Mindset Through Gratitude
Recognizing the opportunity for a fresh start, second chances, and the ability to create a life filled with meaning, purpose, and fulfillment beyond addiction. Recognizing the growth, resilience, and strength you’ve developed through the challenges of recovery, and discovering a deeper sense of self-awareness https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/10-best-alcohol-addiction-recovery-books/ and purpose. The gift of being free from the grip of addiction and the ability to live each day without the burden of substance use. Our free, confidential telephone consultation will help you find the best treatment program for you. We can also guide you in approaching a loved one who needs treatment.
Myth 2: Gratitude is just a naive form of positive thinking
For instance, rather than viewing relapse as a failure, you can see it as an opportunity to learn and grow. This perspective can help you stay motivated and committed to your recovery goals, even when times are tough. Other studies have also shown that practicing gratitude can lead to increased feelings of well-being and a more positive outlook in life. It can also be an incredibly powerful tool for growth and healing. At its core, gratitude is about developing a state of openness and vulnerability. It allows you to appreciate what you have instead of dwelling on your difficulties.
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For example, you could thank a friend who supported you during a difficult time, write a note to a coworker who helped you with a project, or give a gift to a family member who made you laugh. Expressing how thankful you are to them makes you feel good, strengthens your relationships, and makes others feel valued. Many people think that gratitude is naive or unrealistic, especially in the face of difficulties or hardships. They may believe that gratitude is ignoring or denying the negative aspects of life or being overly optimistic.
- It is about paying attention to both the good and the bad in life without trying to change them.
- “I think the hacker apologised for making it difficult for many Indonesian citizens to access their data, not necessarily feeling sorry for what they did,” he said.
- Such exercises in gratitude can change people’s perspective and transform minds and hearts for the better in the interests of successful, long-term recovery.
- They saw that those who reported paying it forward out of gratitude had different brain activity than those who did it out of guilt or obligation.
- While we can look at each one of these things and find an issue, the power is in finding the good in each.
Defining the Act of Practicing Gratitude
Abusing drugs or alcohol can take a toll on your physical health, causing problems such as liver damage, heart disease, infections, or chronic pain. Active addiction can create a lot of negative emotions, such as shame, guilt, or regret, that can linger even after you stop using drugs or alcohol. Using a bulletin board or poster board put pictures, graphics, or words that help you remember what you’re grateful for in life. For example, putting a picture of your dog or children on the board will remind you each day that they are both things in life to be grateful for on a daily basis.
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Practicing gratitude daily can improve mental and physical health by fostering positive thinking, energy, and confidence, thus leading to a healthier recovery [1]. Gratitude serves as an antidote to negative thinking, reducing hopelessness and dissatisfaction. All of the above benefits support recovery by improving your mental health, physical health, relationships, and quality of life.
Things to Be Grateful for in Recovery
Men participating in this program are encouraged to build relationships and work together towards lasting recovery. This is achieved with the emphasis we put on community and peer support. Finding gratitude in recovery at Spero Recovery Center is at the center of what we do.
The Power of Gratitude in Recovery
As you start to practice gratitude, you’ll notice the power of the words you choose. This should carry over into all the thoughts and conversations you have throughout the day. Try to eliminate negative thoughts and feelings or match them with a positive counterpart.
- Gratitude helps promote the focus on channeling inspiration and motivation into sobriety.
- More than creating a gratitude list, actively practicing gratitude has always been essential to recovery success.
- All of which makes for a healthier, happier, and more fulfilled you.
- We must also become active stewards by caring for the natural world that already cares for us.
- Many people who struggle with addiction also suffer from co-occurring mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, or bipolar disorder.
- By focusing on the good things, you can develop a more positive outlook and increase the likelihood of a successful recovery.
You feel a deep sense of pride and accomplishment for all your hard work and good intentions, and you look for opportunities to connect with people, the world, the moment. Negative thinking can become so pervasive that it begins to impact all parts of your life. These dark and clouded thoughts can take a negative situation and make it worse. Design for Recovery offers the skills and support for lifelong sobriety. Being around people who are optimistic, supportive, and encouraging can boost your mood and inspire you to perform gratitude more often.
- Thank yourself for showing up each day to try again, to grow, to face challenges, and to work on being the best version of yourself.
- In addiction recovery, practicing gratitude doesn’t have to be complicated.
- Simply taking a moment to count our blessings can lift our spirits and remind us of all that we have to appreciate in life.
- As the addiction progresses, substance abusers find themselves losing many of the things they valued in their lives, such as relationships, jobs and even homes.
- Practicing gratitude on a regular basis brings about a multitude of benefits for individuals in recovery.
