Recovery is a time of major transformation and a chance for recovering addicts to take stock of their lives. There are a number of majorly transformative elements of recovery, all of which truly change the way that a recovering addict views themselves and their place in the world. It is, in fact, necessary for a recovering addict to change their thought processes and behaviors if they are to recover, because addiction is such a powerful and complicated disease that one must make serious changes to their attitudes and outlooks if they are to successfully cultivate the kinds of thoughts and actions that constitute a healthy lifestyle.
Here are five ways that treatment changes your outlook on life.
1. You Start to See Your Role in Conflicts
It is very common for addicts and non-addicts alike to see every problem that comes their way as the fault of someone else. One reason that addicts are so quick to blame others for their problems may be that it is a means of prolonging the amount of time that they can continue to use for. Choosing not to take personal responsibility can help to keep an addict in denial and thus works as a tactic to prolong seeking help. In treatment, you learn that you must always be open to understanding what your role in any conflict is.
2. You Have a Renewed Sense of Gratitude
Gratitude is perhaps one of the most important emotions that any recovering addict can hope to cultivate within themselves. The reason it is important to be mindful of the things you are grateful for is that when you are truly grateful, you are much more likely to be happy and to have a higher sense of self worth. Gratitude also gives way to an appreciation for the things and people you have in your life and thus a a desire to do what it takes to keep them safe.
3. You Understand That You Are Capable of Amazing Things
It is certainly true that going into treatment means setting off on a journey that will be a struggle. Getting sober is no easy feat and the path to a healthy life is full of challenges. The wonderful thing about treatment and recovery, however, is that it offers you the chance to fully understand what you are capable of. Learning to get through triggers without using and to face your emotions with strength and bravery helps to build your confidence and allows you to see the version of yourself that is strong and powerful.
4. You Realize That You Are Helpless Without God
Recovery and spirituality go hand in hand. This is because God gives us the strength we need to get through the most troubling of times. A relationship with God is the key to a happy and healthy life and by understanding that we do not have control over everything, we can begin to stop trying to control our lives through drugs and allow God to show us the path that He intends for us to walk down.
5. You Have Goals For the Future
One of the most devastating things about addiction is that it takes a hold of your entire life and begins to rob you of the belief that your goals and dreams are attainable. In treatment, however, you begin to see that with sobriety comes the ability to make your dreams a reality. You will once again know that you have the ability to maintain healthy and meaningful relationships and you will rediscover a passion for the things that excite and inspire you.