Gratitude and addiction are intertwined in the process of recovery. Developing an attitude of gratitude in the face of even the most difficult situations is a keystone of relapse prevention. It is not a skill that comes easily or naturally, but it is a skill that can be practiced and developed.
In order for recovery to move forward into a new way of life, people who suffer from addiction learn to address the negative thinking patterns and emotional habits that have contributed to their illness. Physical recovery is not enough to maintain sobriety. Making gratitude and addiction recovery a customary part of each day is a key to the emotional, mental and spiritual aspects of recovery. A holistic approach to treatment, including prayer and meditation, brings peace and comfort to individuals who have damaged their bodies and spirits with drugs and alcohol.
Turning To God In Gratitude and Addiction Recovery
At New Creation, we help clients turn to God in prayer and meditation as a way of overcoming difficult situations. As an example, if a loved one is dying, a prayer of gratitude for the precious times you have had together can refocus your thinking. If drug addiction has caused financial ruin, gratitude for the chance to start over in drug rehab can bring hope. Being grateful for the basics of life we take for granted, such as the way our blood circulates through our bodies and the way our lungs pump life-giving oxygen to our cells, helps us to develop humility.
Having an attitude of gratitude doesn’t mean to have a naïve approach to life. There is no religion or theology that promises a life without suffering. It is what we do in the face of suffering that makes the difference. Learning to live in gratitude and addiction recovery opens up the possibility of making new decisions in sobriety. Even when all the possibilities seem to have glitches, trusting in God to lead the way builds faith and confidence.
