Woman hopeful about recovery

The Power of Hope in Recovery

By

Sober Recovery Expert Author

Woman hopeful about recovery

Recovery depends on the notion that one desires to get better. This makes hope the route by which addiction recovery occurs. Recovering from addiction is one of the most challenging experiences a person can face. Statistics show that about half of drug addicts relapse from their initial plan of treatment. However, hope is an essential contributor to rehabilitation and recovery as it allows us to have confidence that positive outcomes are possible.

Sources of hope can be found in various places. Some find it through their higher power, spirituality, or religion. Others find hope in family and friends as well as other recovering addicts. After all, having people who believe in them and witnessing others succeed gives proof that they, too, can see their recovery through.

Sources of hope for the addict can be found in various places.

Vision of Recovery

Research suggests that our brains work to achieve the statements received by our subconscious mind. As we visualize detailed mental pictures that depict a specific desired outcome, we lead ourselves to acquire particular behaviors that lead to success. Addiction-related studies also show that the more people believe in their inability to moderate their use of drugs, the more likely they will not be able to moderate it. Therefore, by merely seeing the outcome of abstinence in the addict’s mind, he or she becomes empowered to continue recovery.

You can make your visualizations more concrete by setting up vision boards or videos that detail all your dreams and goals. Keeping a gratitude list is also another way for recovering addicts to remind themselves of the people, places, and experiences they can lose if they ever relapse.

Keep on Keeping On

Despite the importance of moving forward in life, some individuals who’ve struggled with addiction remain stuck in the past. While looking forward to the future is extremely important in recovery, a walk down memory lane guided by a professional may be necessary. Identifying how far down the path of rehabilitation one has traveled can be encouraging, and some counselors even instruct patients in treatment to write down, document and acknowledge their past failures, as well as successes and achievements. This exercise reminds the person in treatment that their journey is progressing forward, despite all the bumps they’ve experienced on the road.

If you or someone you know is seeking help from addiction, please visit our directory of treatment centers or call 866-606-0182 to start the path to recovery today.

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