Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and it is a time when many people stop to reflect on what they are grateful for. Life isn’t perfect, but there is always something to be thankful for if you look closely enough. For individuals in addiction recovery, developing an attitude of gratitude can support sobriety and reduce risk of relapse. It is important to try to find the positives in each day.
No one starts using drugs or alcohol with the intention of developing an addiction, but it happens, and sometimes rather quickly. Since you can’t go back and change the past, all you can do is keep moving forward and learn from these experiences. Thankfully addiction treatment programs like Crossroads exist to help clients overcome addiction and rebuild their lives. They receive personalized treatment and targeted care for physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual healing. Engaging in treatment helps clients to realize that they are strong and resilient. They have the chance to turn things around, and that is something to be grateful for. Everything might not be perfect, but opportunity exists to do things differently.
Finding the Good in Each Day
Addiction recovery can be tough. It requires you to change your thought patterns and behaviors. You must be more conscious in your decision making to avoid temptation and triggers. It is a lifestyle change.
Keeping a gratitude journal is a wonderful way to reflect and see the positives in life. Each day, write down two or three good things that happened. It doesn’t have to be a major milestone – noticing the small things can make a difference too. Having the right amount of change for the parking meter or having an umbrella on hand when it starts to rain can be things to celebrate. They’re small and insignificant to most, but they are positives nevertheless.
Making yourself look for the silver lining can change your perspective and your mood. It takes your mind off of the bad and shifts your thinking from what went wrong to what went right. When you’re having a rough day, it provides a resource to go back to and reread. Remind yourself of all of the good things that have happened. Appreciate the simple things in life and all of the positive changes that being in recovery has brought about.
Help Others to Help Yourself
Another way to boost your gratitude in life is to spend time helping others. Volunteering and giving back can be an eye-opening experience. You realize that others are facing their own battles, but you can make a difference in their lives. Be grateful that you have the opportunity to provide them with help and support. Pay it forward to thank those who have helped you throughout your life and recovery by helping others.
Addiction is a major problem throughout the United States, but recovery is possible. There are plenty of people who want to help you succeed and turn your life around. Crossroads offers residential treatment for women as well as outpatient treatment for both women and men. Overcome addiction and remember who you wanted to be at Crossroads. Embrace the opportunity to make a positive change in your life.
[cta]If you’re ready to turn your life around and overcome addiction, contact Crossroads today.[/cta]
