Benefits of Positive Words of Affirmation for Addiction Recovery
Philosophy Behind Mindset Work
The lines that we repeat to ourselves in our inner dialogue are oftentimes the scripts that shape our behavior patterns, guiding beliefs and lives as a whole. While we are far more than our thoughts, the image that we hold of ourselves impacts more than we often would like to admit, especially in the face of challenges. On the road to recovery from addiction and substance abuse, recreating an uplifting and resolute interior voice is essential to overcoming adversity and channeling inner strength to make lasting change.
Mindset Work in Addiction Recovery
Addiction recovery is multifaceted and requires a holistic approach, considering the whole person. Drug and alcohol addictions are known to leave a trail of wreckage in their path, diminishing professional, relational, financial and spiritual well-being. This can lead to an array of mental and emotional consequences, constantly threatening the quality of life of those who suffer from these addictions. While therapy, rehabilitation programs and medication may immediately come to mind when you think of recovery, true healing and freedom require a rebuilding of the thoughts and beliefs that drive your most habitual actions.
Mindset work has increased in popularity in our current cultural climate, but you might be left wondering, “Does positive affirmation work for addiction recovery?” Numerous studies indicate yes. The National Library of Medicine published research that confirms that drug-dependent people who learn and implement positive thinking skills demonstrate higher levels of hope, resilience and self-confidence. Cultivating a new outlook on the world may also lead to increased proactivity and overall lifestyle improvements.
What is a Positive Affirmation? More Than Just Words
Positive affirmations are words or phrases that are intentionally geared toward fighting negative beliefs, destructive thought patterns or unproductive behaviors. They can be very simple, but serve as powerful tools to reframe your outlook on the world and yourself, especially when referenced repeatedly.
If you are unsure where to begin with this process, receiving positive words of affirmation from people you trust can be a great starting point. Therapists, friends, family, coworkers or fellow support group members can be very helpful in helping to craft these potent truth statements to integrate into your life. Try reaching out to someone who knows you well, and ask them what positive traits they see in you. This may be someone who has known you from childhood, a parental or mentor figure, or someone who has accompanied you in your recovery journey thus far. Ask them if they would be willing to write out a few informative facts that they know and believe to be true about you.
Receiving Is Not Believing
It is important to note that receiving, writing or reading a positive affirmation is only half the battle. Oftentimes the hardest part of this process is developing the belief that what you are saying, reading or hearing is true. Negative thoughts may be deeply rooted in your psyche, making it difficult to forge a new path of neural connectivity in your brain; however, humans are highly adaptable creatures and neuroplasticity of the brain makes it possible to learn and master new skills.
Exercising vigilance over your thought patterns is very important to cultivate consistency in this practice. Belief in oneself does not happen overnight. It can take years to rewrite the tapes in your head that are full of doubts, lies, hateful speech and limiting beliefs, which is why it is helpful to have a team of people surrounding you who can speak light into your life when darkness creeps back in.
Unlock Deeper Healing in Your Recovery Journey
While treatment plans, recovery programs and support groups all serve an important purpose in the journey to healing from addiction, the most important part of the equation is you. The beliefs that you hold deep in your mind and heart could have originated long before you reached adulthood, but they are likely sitting in the driver’s seat of your life whether you have invited them or not.
Long-term recovery is just that: long. You need to be your greatest asset, your biggest cheerleader, your most devoted fan. Changing your inner dialogue is quintessential to ensuring your success and perseverance on this road for the rest of your life.
Changing your perspective can be an effective tool to combat negative self-talk. Start by stating one limiting belief, and then counter it by speaking truth to the reality of the situation. Your negative thoughts might sound something like this:
- “I never finish anything; what makes me think I can get sober?”
- “I am this way because of my family. I will never rise above my DNA.”
- “I am going to lose my friends if I eliminate my substance use habits.
- “My past is too painful to overcome.”
Now, counter those thoughts with a true statement that reframes the challenge at hand in a positive light.
- “I have never wanted anything this badly. Focus on today, and win.”
- “I am more than my family, and I will rise above their toxic behavior.”
- “I will choose to surround myself with people who love and support the best version of me.”
- “I have lived through adversity before, and it has made me strong enough for this moment.”
Channel the power of positive affirmations to build self-confidence, promote self-compassion, and foster a growth mindset in your journey to wholeness and well-being.
Find Renewed Strength Today
If you are looking to develop an unwavering support system to accompany you on your path to recovery, Bluff Augusta is here for you. Contact us online today, or call (844) 242-0806 to reach new levels of healing and integration in your recovery journey.
