Do you ever stop and think of what you are grateful for in your life? Are you happy with your life? Are you happy to have friends, family, your living conditions, or job? Maybe you haven’t even thought about it.

Many who deal with addictions to alcohol may find they don’t often stop and think of what they are happy and grateful for, but enforcing the emotion of gratitude can be a surprisingly effective method to combatting addiction and progressing recovery.

It may seem overly simple, but the results may surprise you. Many psychologists—including Robert A. Emmons, the world’s leading scientific expert on gratitude—have done research and studies to prove that practicing early for Thanksgiving may be more beneficial to your health and mindset than you think.

Physical and Psychological Development

Utilizing gratitude in your daily routine can have a greater effect on your health than you may realize. Training your brain to be more positive and think with a certain mindset can improve your lifestyle in a variety of ways.

Integrating gratitude can have a variety of great effects on your mind and help physiological development. This includes increased levels of alertness, optimism, and overall happiness. In addition, these higher levels of positive emotions give people a greater sense of purpose and motivation and help people find a more fulfilling life, so they feel less inclined to turn towards drugs like alcohol to numb and calm them.

Additionally, implementing gratitude not only gives people physiological improvements but also physical benefits. This includes lower blood pressure, better sleep, an improved immune system and a willingness to exercise more and work on better healthcare.

Note that all of these benefits are the opposite of what an alcohol addiction provides—hurting the immune system with potential liver and heart diseases, dulling senses, elevating blood pressure, and hurting our positive emotions and sense of happiness.

Closer Social Connections

When you think of what you’re grateful for, many consider their close friends or family members, people who share your interests and stay with you despite difficult times. They are people who you care about. But in times of hardship and in the development of addiction, victims often find themselves pushing these people away.

When considering gratitude, however, many find that their social skills increase and find themselves trying to involve their friends and family again. People who implement gratitude find themselves seeking to be more helpful, generous, compassionate, forgiving, and outgoing, and less lonely and isolated.

Victims of alcohol addiction may find themselves reconnecting with friends and family again when they consider the people for whom they are grateful. Gratitude is capable of progressing the recovery process for many addicts.

Bringing New Opportunities

When considering what you are grateful for and trying to apply it to your life, you will find many new opportunities open up in your life. From adding new healthy routines to reaching out to peers again, your mind will open up and be willing to try new hobbies.

One of the most important parts of recovery is keeping a willingness to learn about recovery. Even when you have reached recovery, it is important to keep in mind other methods of it and maintaining recovery in case of a relapse. But you will find yourself with a much more engaging and interesting life practicing it.

The Benefits from an Attitude of Gratitude

Consider starting by writing a gratitude list to promote a positive mindset, reaching out to family and friends, or considering one of Discovery Place’s many recovery programs, such as the Continuing Care program in Burns, Tennessee, or involve your family through your local Family Matters Workshop program in Tennessee. Contact us for a recommendation at 1-800-725-0922.

Testimonials

  • Discovery Place was the answer for my son. He did the 90 day and then the step down program and sober living. We give this organization 10 stars. They met my son where he was …emotionally, mentally, physically. They helped him put his life back on track. Discovery Place employees care about their guests. If your son, brother, nephew, grandson or husband needs excellent supportive care THIS is indeed the facility.

    Kim Morton
    Alumni Parent
  • I have remained sober and it is because of DP. DP is the best place there is, hands down. I keep everyone there in my prayers, and I encourage everyone there to take what they are practicing and do it in their lives, after.

    Roy Mantelli
    Alumni
  • Over the past year, I’ve been putting into actin what Discovery Place taught me, and I have experienced a complete perspective change of the world, and the people in it. I get to be a man of service and love today, and for that I am grateful to Discovery Place.

    Matt Kassay
    Alumni
  • Discovery Place means the world to me. They showed me the tools that I’ve tried to use everyday in my life to think less often of myself, and more frequently of others. I am learning to lend a hand when I am able and to have a honest and humble relationship with God and the people around me. Not only am I clean and sober, but also I am happy and fulfilled.

    Tommy Parker
    Alumni
  • Discovery Place and the men who work there made recovery attractive, and more importantly, fun. There is strength in the struggle. I am forever grateful for my time at Discovery Place.

    Creed McClellan
    Alumni
  • When I got to Discovery Place my whole life was in shambles, but I didn’t know it. I spent 6 months in their programs, participating in all three phases, and was met with kindness and love all along the way. It is unbelievable to me, where I am now relative to where I was when I arrived at DP.

    Lance Duke
    Alumni
  • I can never say enough good things about Discovery Place and the people who work there. Before checking in to DP, I was out of options and out of answers. Fortunately, Discovery Place has a solution. Taking suggestions from the staff at DP saved my life, and as a result, I’m now more content and hopeful about life. I’m grateful for Discovery Place showing me how to live a healthy life so that I can become a better man and help the next guy.”

    Tyler Buckingham
    Alumni

    Thinking About Rehab?

    Learn More About Our Alternative Residential Recovery Programs

      Alternative Drug & Alcohol Treatment Rehab
    • Admissions
    • About Us
    • Contact
    • Talk to someone about your options

      Talk to someone about your options

      Blue Pig Media