Motivation for Recovery from Addiction and Mental Health

Motivation for Recovery from Addiction and Mental Health

Dealing with addiction and mental health conditions is often a very painful and difficult time for many people. It is very important to believe that while it is difficult, you can recovery and regain your life. An important step is to find your motivations and to remind yourself of the reasons you wish to remain sober. Find reasons that resonate with you and are important in your life.

Children

For many people, their children are their biggest motivation. Think of your children and the image you want to give your child. Do you want your child to remember and think of you with your addiction or do you want them to see you healthy and balanced. You cannot change the past but you can change the future. A child who sees their parent regain their equilibrium is a powerful lesson and one that you can give to your child.

Spouses

Your spouse has undoubtedly suffered watching your addiction and mental health conditions and it is an amazing feeling to know you are relieving their worry and pain and replacing it with pride and relief.

Parents and other family

Think of your friends and family who have been affected by your addiction and/or mental health conditions. Find the person who you have affected the most or who means the most to you. Think of that person and remind yourself why you don’t want your addictions oe mental health to do any more damage to that relationship.

Job

Addiction and Mental Health is often the cause of losing a job or the inability to even get a job. Getting the proper help may allow you to find steady employment and the money gained from that is worth so much. Don’t let addiction rob you of steady employment.

Health

Your health is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself and one of the things you can damage the most with addiction and mental illness. For every day you remain sober, you are improving your health and reducing your risk of deteriorating further.

Pride

When you have a mental health condition, you are often left with a constant sense of shame and guilt. With every minute, hour and day you are healing,  you will feel the sense of pride. Staying on track with your treatment plan may not easy but you should be proud of yourself for making the steps to change your life. Pride is a wonderful gift you can give to yourself. It is also a much better emotion to feel than guilt and shame.

Take some time and create your own list of potential motivations. Find the things that mean the most to you. If you do not have family or friends that have been affected by your addiction, think of things that affect you – your health, fitness, life, job, coworkers, what limits you, what would you like to do that addiction prevents. Your list of motivations will be different from another person but what remains the same is the fact that we all have goals that we can work towards and for.

Find ways to remind yourself why you don’t want to fall back into your old habits.

• Post photos of your family and friends and look at them when tempted.
• Send yourself emails with positive messages.
• Ask a friend or family member to remind you of all the reasons you want to remain sober.
• Create a list of things to do when you are tempted such as exercise, run, play games, take the dog for a walk, take your child to the park, read a book.

The Motivation for Recovery from Addiction and Mental Health requires healthy outlets, strong support systems, and a positive attitude. Remember you will have difficult moments and celebrate every difficult moment you have and that you get through. You can do this. Believe in yourself and never forget the reasons you are motivated to stay in recovery.

If you are looking for treatment resources, please call to connect with a treatment center at 866-644-7911 and receive a free confidential assessment and options for treatment programs.