Problems with relationships, financial management, and legal issues have become solutions based in a true transformation of life. I have worked in providing coaching, peer support, counseling, and education since 2014. I currently hold several professional credentials in those area including a National Recovery Coach Level II credential. Constance (Connie) Wille gratitude recovery is a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Master Counselor, and has worked in the addictions field for the past 33 years with over 28 years of management experience. Connie earned her MS in Health Services Administration from Sage Graduate School. She has served as the Chief Executive Officer of Champlain Valley Family Center (CVFC) for the past 20 years.
From the Archives: Rainy days in and around Richmond
- Negative thinking can become so pervasive that it begins to impact all parts of your life.
- When you feel overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed, try a guided gratitude meditation to help ground you.
- A positive outlook is important because addiction itself fosters a host of negative emotions and ways of seeing the world.
In your journal, take time to note down the things and events of the day that you’re grateful for. Whether it’s a chance to sleep a little later in the morning or a meeting with an old friend, note it down. Include as many gratitude-inspiring things as you can in each session. Your entries create a picture of all the positive things in your life that you may never have noticed while using drugs or alcohol. After receiving her MA from Columbia University, Stephanie worked as a journalist until she was hired by Powers, Crane & Company.
Kansas community welcomes back rebuilt Jackie Robinson statue
Addiction can be isolating, and it creates pain and misunderstanding in relationships of all kinds. Being able to communicate clearly about your recovery experience and to ask for help when you need it can strengthen relationships and solve problems. Addiction keeps a person stuck in an unpleasant “now” that revolves around getting your next fix. But in recovery, it’s possible to recover hope for the future and to look forward to doing new and better things. Three lessons emerged from the community day and offer opportunities for everyone to help.
Something to Feel Grateful For
- Gratitude can help you overcome addiction by making you happier, healthier, and more connected.
- For example, if you’re in recovery, you can be grateful that you made it this far, that you had the willpower and perseverance to get that far, for any people who have helped you, or even for a roof over your head.
- Robert has co-authored articles on patient confidentiality and sober homes and has presented nationally and throughout New York State on the OASAS system of care.
- There are simple ways to incorporate gratitude enhancing activities into any daily routine.
- That leads to a cycle of despair, hopelessness and other negative feelings, which in turn lead to returning to being dependent on addictive substances.
- Many people recovering from drug or alcohol addiction have little sense of self-worth.
Once you’ve been able to adjust to this mindset of gratitude as your default, negativity will creep into your mind far less often, even when negative circumstances arise. By identifying things to be grateful for, you’ll be able to find the strength and motivation to keep moving forward. Acknowledging how much you’ve progressed throughout your recovery journey can be helpful when you’re struggling with addiction.
Why Is Gratitude Important in Addiction Recovery?
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. Expressing gratitude can also encourage you to strive for improvement, as it reminds you of what you have already achieved and demonstrates how much more you can accomplish. By practicing gratitude during recovery, you not only boost your resilience in times of hardship but also lay the foundation for long-term success in all areas of life. Other studies have also shown that practicing gratitude can lead to increased feelings of well-being and a more positive outlook in life.
Five Easy Ways to Cultivate Gratitude and Appreciation
Addiction Treatment Programs
- The third group was asked to write about the negative and positive events that affected them.
- Without gratitude, life is endless work with no real meaning and no detectable results.
- Gratitude can be practiced anytime, anywhere – and it doesn’t cost a penny.