Sober living

Gratitude May Be the Key to Addiction Recovery

As a part of maintaining your recovery, gratitude can help you focus on the life you lead now instead of mistakes you made in the midst of a substance use disorder. Developing an attitude of gratitude comes easily for some and for others takes some practice and habit-building. However, no matter how you come by it, practicing gratitude in your daily life can transform it from one of doom and gloom to one of peace and joy. This is particularly true for people in recovery from alcohol or drugs.

letter of gratitude and appreciation in recovery

The key is to not let the bad days take over or become too frequent. Many times people think, sure but I can’t control what goes on around me and what others do and say. And while this is completely true, what we can control is our thoughts. As mentioned, when a person begins to think negatively it often just grows and grows until they are upset, angry, bitter, and eventually resentful.

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Try to send the appreciation letter or email as soon as possible. For example, if you have an informational interview with a contact, send them a thank-you letter by the next day. You want the person receiving the letter to remember what you are thanking them for. Saying “thank you” is also a way to forge or grow https://ecosoberhouse.com/ a relationship with a professional connection. This can help your career in the future, as well as on a short-term basis. If you take the time to write a sincere letter that is well-expressed, grammatical, and free of spelling errors, you will stand out favorably in comparison to peers who lack this ability.

Research has shown how important it is to express gratitude (if you want to be happy). Positive psychology not only impacts your mental health, but physical, spiritual and social health too. Gratitude, referred to as one of the “foundational virtues in the creation of happiness” [3], works at combatting the negative emotions that may be present in recovery. The conscious act of noticing and appreciating gratitude in recovery the positives in life and outwardly exuding positive energy and thankfulness contributes significantly to one’s happiness and satisfaction with life circumstances. Individuals who are more appreciative of their life, the people in it, and their own strength often feel more in control of their lives and emotions. These feelings are essential during a time when things may feel beyond one’s control.

The Power of Gratitude in Addiction Recovery: How a Thankful Mindset can Transform Your Journey

This means that you should be grateful for everything as part of your life and consistently recognize and be aware of the good things that happen to you, no matter how small. This attitude will put you in the right mindset to enjoy your life drug and alcohol free, which will help you in your recovery. Attitude of Gratitude is a term first developed by Alcoholics Anonymous and used throughout most 12-step programs. It’s also moved into non-AA treatment and often into everyday life.

letter of gratitude and appreciation in recovery