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One of the biggest reasons that practicing gratitude works as it does, is that it remains largely selfless. The acts of gratitude are done without any pretense or hope for remuneration. They are the embodiment of a gift that is freely given to someone to show them they are deeply appreciated. In this respect, practicing gratitude helps an individual maintain a calibrated moral compass, and is one way of ensuring that effort and good intent are given back to those who put themselves out there. There are also many benefits of gratitude that are often unknown or simply overlooked by people. These benefits include not only physical but social and psychological ones as well.
How do you practice gratitude in recovery?
Take a Moment: A gratitude practice can start with small things, like appreciating a beautiful, sunny day, fresh air, a nice meal, or conversation with a good friend. Take moments out of your day to pause and actively think of the things that you are grateful for, and this mindset will begin to come more naturally.
Negativity can be detrimental to your recovery and make a life in sobriety seem dark, empty, and lonely. Understanding the positives that sobriety brings and equally recognizing the harm substance abuse causes in all aspects of life are traits strengthened by gratitude. A grateful person knows sobriety is essential to healing the harm caused by addiction why is gratitude important in recovery to themselves and to others. The gratitude journal and gratitude letter are excellent ways to make gratitude a regular part of your recovery plan but it’s also good to express gratitude to the people you care about. As the study cited above shows, this is key for increasing your commitment to a relationship and making the other person feel appreciated.
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But it is these negative feelings that drive destructive behaviors like drug abuse. And it is positive feelings that can help us overcome them. Dr. Bhalavat’s background includes treatment of depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, bipolar disorder, substance abuse and dementia. A successful recovery requires the patient to remain motivated. There are many sources of inspiration one can draw on when recovering from substance abuse, and gratitude is the key that unlocks them.
What does AA say about gratitude?
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) describes attaining serenity and gratitude as two of the most characteristic markers of success in the AA program. An AA Grapevine article states that “gratitude and serenity are two sides of the same golden coin of sobriety.”
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 is less likely they will relapse because they are empowered to move forward. Although issues may arise, they view it as a chance to grow rather than an obstacle.
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You can do this daily, weekly, or with any frequency that works for you. If you are struggling with addiction, it may seem like there is no end to it. Drug rehab in Payson will make addiction recovery possible for you. Recovery is undoubtedly a challenging journey, but there are better things laid out for you at… After a couple of weeks, it may be a good idea to start doing this exercise once a week.
- It’s easy to become irritable, angry, and impatient when we focus on the worst qualities in others.
- Most of us will remember the one person who said it looked stupid.
- With gratitude comes a less selfish attitude and more satisfaction in their needs being met and they can focus their attention on others.
- Gratitude inspires the mind and the body to turn away from substance abuse.
