Research shows that expressing gratitude can actually be good for your health
In many cases, addiction recovery is focused on the patient. This is normal and to be expected — after all, the person being treated should be at the center of any recovery effort.
However, supportive individuals are key to a lasting recovery. Although it’s very possible to achieve a lifelong recovery on your own, it is always best to surround yourself with friends and family members who support what you’re doing and go out of their way to ensure you are given the encouragement and acceptance you deserve.
If you’ve been through treatment for a drug or alcohol addiction, and you’re now in recovery, saying thank you to the people who supported you can be a great way to recognize them, as well as further cement your bond with them. Here are some ideas for making sure your support system knows you appreciate their help and compassion.
Write a Letter
Research shows that expressing gratitude can actually be good for your health. In a 2012 study, researchers found that grateful people experience fewer aches and pains, exercise more often, and live longer than those who don’t take time to say thank you to others. In today’s busy world, most people don’t write letters anymore. Sending a heartfelt card or letter to people who supported you during your recovery will make them — and you — feel great.
Include them in Your Recovery Journey
Recovery is a lifelong process. Even if it’s been years since you kicked your addiction, it’s always important to stay focused on your recovery journey. There are many ways you can include your support partners on your journey. Examples include talking to them about temptations you face, sharing experiences in which you turned down a chance to use alcohol or drugs, and inviting them to attend therapy sessions or treatment meetings.
Spend More Time Together
It’s always nice to spend time with people who care about you. Even if you can’t get together in person, you can still connect through email, video messaging, and text. If you live near each other, consider inviting supportive individuals to go shopping, eat dinner, or take a walk together. You don’t have to plan a big or expensive outing — often, small gestures are the most special.
Offer Support in Return
You never know when someone who supported you will need a helping hand themselves. Look for opportunities to give back. For example, offer to run errands for someone who comes down with the flu or suffers an injury. Small gestures of kindness are a wonderful way to let someone know how much you appreciate their support when you needed it. It’s also a great feeling when recovery enables you to be the support person someone else needs.
About Serenity at Summit Today
Serenity At Summit offers drug and alcohol addiction programs in New Jersey and Haverhill, MA. They offer personalized and drug and alcohol detox under medical supervision.
Call us (855) 273-0658
