When you think of positive affirmations, you may think of compliments or positive things that you would say to uplift other people. However, positive self-affirmations are also very much a great tool for good mental health and can play an important role in your recovery journey from addiction.
No matter where you’re at in your recovery journey, there will be days that may be harder than others. You might find yourself stuck in the habit of negative thinking and bad self-talk. Self-talk is important. It can change how you view yourself and your capability to remain sober. When negative talk goes unaddressed, it can actually risk your sobriety. Positive self-affirmations can completely change how your view yourself and can empower you to be the best version of yourself.
Understanding the Importance of Self-Affirmations in Addiction Recovery
As a society, for the most part, we have come a long way in regard to how we discuss topics of substance use disorder (SUD) and treat those who may be struggling. But it’s important to note that we still have a ways to go in order to eradicate the stigma surrounding addiction entirely. Stigma involves negative thoughts or attitudes that one might associate not only with addiction in general but with an individual who either has previously or is currently struggling with substance misuse.
Stigma can be expressed through words or actions, and it can be incredibly damaging and dangerous. It can not only cause someone who is struggling to hesitate to get the help they really need, but it could damage them in other ways. For example, in some cases, stigma can make it harder for an individual in recovery to succeed in life and may even have an impact on how they are treated medically.
Even if you’ve been on the receiving end of stigma during your recovery journey, you can still make the active decision to believe the truth. The truth is that addiction is a disorder that affects the brain and is out of your control. It does not make you a lesser person, and it is not something for you to be ashamed of or embarrassed about. You are just as capable as anyone else of accomplishing all your dreams.
Positive affirmations in recovery can help you to retrain the way you look at addiction and at yourself. They can help to empower you, strengthen your confidence, and move past any guilt or shame you may be carrying. Positive affirmations can also help you to let go of any subconscious feelings that you may be hanging onto.
12 Great Positive Affirmations for Someone in Recovery
Consider starting out by making a list of positive daily affirmations and spending about three to five minutes every day focusing on them. You might consider doing this before you go to bed at night or when you first wake up in the morning. A lot of people like doing them in front of the mirror so they can visualize themselves saying them. As you go down your list, try to repeat each affirmation ten times, as this will help it to really stick in your head.
As time goes on, you may find that you’re truly believing what you are telling yourself and that you don’t have to work quite so hard to practice positive self-talk. You might find that you’ve also become more conscious of your thoughts and better able to identify negative patterns when they occur.
If you want to start practicing positive affirmations but aren’t sure where to start, consider some of the following examples. You can tailor and personalize any of these affirmations to better fit yourself and your unique situation.
#1. My past mistakes do not define who I am today.
#2. There is nothing that I can’t accomplish that I set my mind to.
#3. I am a strong, confident, and independent woman.
#4. I am in charge of my own future, and it can be whatever I want it to be.
#5. Other people’s negative words, thoughts, or opinions about me do not reflect the woman that I really am.
#6. My struggle with substances does not define the person I am now.
#7. I am proud of the work and commitment I put into becoming a better version of myself.
#8. I am going to make today a great day.
#9. All the strength that I need, I can find within myself.
#10. I know that asking for help when I need it does not make me weak.
#11. By choosing recovery, I am choosing to live the life that I know I am capable of and deserve.
#12. I am choosing to put myself first by committing to my recovery journey today and every day.
You may have heard of complimenting others through positive affirmations, but did you know that there is such a thing as self-affirmations? This tool can not only positively impact your mental health but can play an essential role in your recovery journey. Even if you’re sober and have made amends for the past, you may find yourself dealing with negative thought patterns from time to time. These thought patterns can not only take a toll on your mental health but can increase your risk of relapse. Positive affirmations can help remind you of how capable you are and what you are worth. If you are struggling with substance use disorder, call The Ho Tai Way today at (714) 581-3974.
