Recovery is difficult, and maintaining a sense of gratitude can be crucial to a full and lasting recovery. By expressing thankfulness for everything you have in your life, you can begin to see the glass as half full rather than half empty.

Recovery can give people with addictions the opportunity to repair relationships broken by substance abuse, and to move forward in healthier ways. Whether it’s with loved ones, family members, friends, or even co-workers, recovery can give you the option to rebuild, and strength your relationships in life. For people working on recovery from substance abuse, cultivating the proverbial “attitude of gratitude” can boost the success of all aspects of a recovery plan. For these reasons, seeing life through the lens of gratitude can also help to prevent relapses.

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But if you take a gratitude in recovery back and focus on the best in others, it can help you feel more grateful for the people in your life. Try to see the good in your friends, family, and co-workers, and let go of any resentment or anger you may be holding onto. One of the best ways to feel grateful is to give back and help others. Whether volunteering, donating to a worthy cause, or simply lending a listening ear, giving back is a great way to practice gratitude in recovery. When we take the focus off of ourselves and our problems, we can see all of the ways we are fortunate and have so much to offer. One of the simplest and most effective ways to practice gratitude is to keep a gratitude journal.

• There are many sources of inspiration one can draw on when recovering from substance abuse, and gratitude is the key that unlocks them.
• Not everyone is inclined to take the time for daily journaling.
• 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.
• Allow yourself to feel into the emotions and sensations that come with gratitude.

Many of us come into recovery beat down, broken, and grieving the loss caused by the unmanageability of our drinking or drug abuse. Much like being trapped in addiction, we often begin recovery trapped in shame, self-anger, and resentment. You will find experienced house managers that bring knowledge and support to residents in recovery. This makes all the difference in the journey of recovery and guides residents to a more compassionate, serene, and joyful life, focusing on the present moment while building a sustainable future. Holistic practices include a range of other therapeutic options for a whole-person approach to treatment. They focus on the connection between mind, body, and spirit and are usually implemented alongside evidence-based modalities such as CBT.

Tips For A Successful Recovery

Research studies have found that as our gratitude improves, so does our ability to cope. This positive emotion broadens our thought-action cognitive processes, improves behavioral activities, and facilitates adjustment to daily challenges. This is a simple but powerful way to express thanks daily, weekly, or at whatever frequency works for you. Even if the only thing you can come up with on a particular day is waking up and being alive, it’s a start. In addition to practices like these, gratitude is another way individuals practice mindfulness. Practicing gratitude requires you to truly focus and observe everything you have and all the good that happens to you. It can be easy to let life get in the way of appreciating the good, but there are things you can do to begin practicing gratitude today.

Like most things in https://ecosoberhouse.com/ recovery, it will be a process. It’s important to understand that the relationship you have with yourself will often be reflected in your relationships with others. Many in recovery, particularly early recovery, feel guilty for past mistakes and beat themselves up. While acknowledging mistakes and making amends is vital for long-term recovery learning to love yourself is too. There are many guided meditations on different meditation apps or YouTube that are free. Look for ones on gratitude and listen to them regularly. This will not only help you calm your mind but also find things to be grateful for you may overlook.

This Isn’t the End: Keep On the Road to Happiness

Dr. Bhalavat’s background includes treatment of depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, bipolar disorder, substance abuse and dementia. Entitlement is a toxic, negative mindset, and is a way of thinking most people aren’t even aware they are portraying. Conditioning your mind to be thankful instead of sorry is a sure sign your attitude of gratitude is improving. When you communicate with other people, express what you are thankful for.

These practices vary but often include yoga, meditation, nature therapy, and mindfulness-based practices. Call our admissions specialists who can help you find the best treatment center for your needs. If you need help with drug abuse or addiction recovery, we can help you. Purchase a “Gratitude Journal” – Each day, record at least one thing you are grateful for. This will start your “gratitude list,” something you should read over every day as a reminder of the positive aspects in your life.