Words have power, and positive affirmations are a way to use them to your benefit. Positive affirmations are statements we repeat to ourselves to encourage and motivate. They can be particularly helpful for people in recovery from drug addiction as they can reinforce a positive mindset while also deprogramming negative thoughts and behaviors. Here are 5 positive affirmations for addiction recovery that are perfect for starting the new year:
1. “I am in control of my recovery and my life.”
In addiction recovery, the concept of ‘control’ can be a conflicting one. Anyone who has experienced addiction knows what it feels like to be powerless in the face of a craving; Alcohol Anonymous’ ubiquitous Twelve Steps are all about relinquishing control (and admitting that you might not have had any to begin with).
Because of this, it’s common for people in recovery to leave treatment with a feeling of a loss of agency. In turn, this can make an individual more susceptible to feeling helpless in moments of hardship and put them at a greater risk of relapse.
It’s important to recognize that while addicted, you might not have had full control over your thoughts and actions in the past, but the new, sober you certainly does. This means taking ownership of your mistakes and setbacks but also taking pride in all the positive actions taken.
2. “I am strong and capable of overcoming challenges.”
Recovery is no picnic and there are going to be a fair share of hurdles your way. As you enter the new year, have confidence in your ability to face any and all challenges that come your way.
Remember, overcoming challenges on your sober journey isn’t something you have to do on your own. You likely have the support of your friends and family, the comradery of your peer support group, and healthy new coping mechanisms from therapy. Know that you have all the resources you need to get through recovery rough patches.
3. “I am deserving of a fulfilling and satisfying life”
The persisting stigma around addiction can make it feel like there’s a wall between you and other people and that you don’t belong in the spaces you aspire to be. Whether those spaces are high education, a career you enjoy, or becoming a parent, addiction doesn’t make you ineligible for those major life milestones.
Recognize that you are only human and that making mistakes is an inevitable part of the human experience. Nothing you have done in the past warrants that you deprive yourself of a second chance and a new life that you can be proud of.
4. “I am worthy of love, respect, and happiness.”
Addiction can often bring about feelings of guilt. This might leave you thinking that you don’t deserve forgiveness from friends, family, and peers, or deserve it when good things happen to you. Such thinking can lead to self-sabotaging behavior that isn’t just counterproductive, it can be harmful and put you on a path toward relapse.
In addition to having your fundamental needs met (shelter, warmth, food), you are equally deserving to feel accepted and comfortable in your community.
5. “I am grateful for the progress I have made in my recovery.”
Gratitude is the act of being thankful. It means taking notice of both big and little things that we might otherwise overlook and take for granted. This positive emotion is linked to greater happiness, health, relationships, and overall well-being.
Considering how bumpy the road to recovery can sometimes be, being able to appreciate the ups is really important to maintaining motivation to stay sober. Think about it. If all you think about are the missteps, backtracks, or failures, you’re going to get discouraged pretty quickly. Maintaining an attitude of gratitude will go a long way towards staying sober.
How to use positive affirmations for recovery
Positive affirmations might seem cheesy at first, but repeating these positive phrases will help you eventually internalize them. You are what you tell yourself and this can help end those nasty negative thoughts.
It can be helpful to write these New Year’s quotes for recovery down. Keep them somewhere highly visible such as sticky notes on your bathroom mirror or as the background of your mobile phone. Repeat these affirmations to yourself regularly, in the morning when you wake up and before you go to bed, but especially when you are feeling low or overwhelmed.
Repeat these phrases in earnest and you could see amazing results. If you’re having a hard time picturing the new sober you, attend a local AA meeting to find living examples of people who were once in your same situation and have since come out on the other side.
