Content medically reviewed by Vicky Magobet, PMHNP-BC, on July 13, 2021.
Positivity is a powerful tool for anyone. Yet, for those struggling to break free from addiction, positivity can mean the difference between healing and hopelessness. Positive affirmations are simple statements that break through negative thinking and help people believe in themselves. These supportive comments can empower individuals to pursue a healthier, better tomorrow.
During recovery, a person's mental well-being is just as important as their physical health. Sadly, this time is often filled with self-doubt and guilt. Positive affirmations can stop this roller coaster of negativity and help your loved one confidently pursue their recovery journey.
The biggest roadblock to recovery is often the addict himself. For years, they've used drugs or alcohol as a temporary fix for all their issues. The idea of actually dealing with problems or finding healthy solutions has become a foreign concept. The urge to use is ever-present. Early recovery sees people at their most vulnerable.
Engaging in positivity can combat this negative self-doubt that ultimately occurs in recovery. When your loved one is going through a rough patch, a positive attitude can reframe their negative thoughts. It changes their perspective and keeps them focused on their goals of health and sobriety. To put it simply, positivity is like a reset button for negative thinking.
If you know someone battling addiction, sharing positive affirmations could serve as an important tool in their recovery. This person is undoubtedly facing many obstacles. There will be days when they want to give up. Your encouraging statements could be just what they need to pick themself up and keep moving forward.
There is no right time to pass along positive affirmations. However, there are moments in the recovery journey that tend to make people feel more vulnerable or scared, such as:
It's in these moments when a few positive affirmations sent from a friend could serve to strengthen their resolve and keep them on the right track.
Positive affirmations create lasting, long-term changes in how you feel and think. Regular practice with affirmations is scientifically proven to improve mental strength, calm nerves and boost confidence.
Neuroplasticity allows the brain to rewire itself. Proven studies with MRIs show how self-affirmation activates parts of the brain like the ventromedial prefrontal cortex for self-processing.
Considering your strengths as valuable triggers signals self-identity and rewards inside your brain. Research confirms that imagination — such as created affirmations — appears as a neurological reality and your brain begins to believe what you tell it.
Repeating and believing in your affirmations can help with addiction recovery. Positive thinking does the following:
Pairing affirmations with activities helps with navigating recovery. Achieve long-lasting positive mental health by setting aside a scheduled time for these tasks to build regular consistency. Choose an affirmation of the day when you begin your morning. Repeat the phrase throughout different parts of your daily schedule or during some self-care methods:
A positive affirmation best suits your needs when it targets a specific behavior, belief or area where you'd like to see improvement. Create your affirmation statement with these steps:
The people and things around us impact our mindset. There are various sources for positive affirmations. Draw inspiration from these places:
Positive affirmations are usually written in the present tense and are statements that someone struggling with addiction can repeat several times a day as a source of strength. If you want to send affirmations to support a loved one's recovery journey, try to identify specific ideas that you know will encourage them.
Here are some simple positive affirmations to tell someone:
If you are looking for more ways to encourage someone in your life struggling with addiction, we invite you to explore our blog. As Sacramento's trusted drug rehab center, Diamond House Detox is proud to serve as a source of encouragement and strength to those seeking a life of healing in recovery. Feel free to contact us to learn more.