There is an old cliche that says you are what you eat. Likewise, you are what you think. Your thoughts have a lot of power, especially when it comes to recovery, addiction, and relapse. You can think you’re through a relapse and you can think your way out of a relapse.

Your thoughts hold the power of failure or success. For example, if you have a thought to use and you continue to entertain the thought, the chance of you relapsing is significantly high. If you have the same thought to use and you choose to recognize that your thought is not fact, you have a good chance of successfully making it through the craving.

You can think your way into bad situations.

Your thoughts are the segway into action. For instance, if you have had a rough day and have a thought to go to a bar, this is still only a thought. If you entertain and glamourize the thought, continue to think this all day long, you are more likely to go to bar after work.

Action follows thoughts.

Using the example above, the more you think about going to bar, the chances of you going increase. Instead, be rational when cravings enter your mind. Stop and think. Will going to the bar stop at just one? What disaster happened last time? Remind yourself that nothing good comes from drinking and you will lose your recovery if you drink.

Replacing negative thoughts with positive ones is also important. If you are thinking of going to the bar, try to recognize the true emotion behind the thought. You may be feeling stressed and overwhelmed. You may need to unwind and going to the bar has been your go-to move. Instead, replace that thought with another option. Instead of going to the bar, consider going to the gym, spa, or movies as a way to unwind and relax.

Be honest with yourself. When you feel stressed, anxious, happy, or sad, be up front with yourself about your feelings. The more honest you are, the better you will be at recognizing when your recovery is in need of a tune up.

At The Kimberly Center, we care about your recovery. The Kimberly Center understands the power of positive thinking and building a positive recovery. Call us now at 855-4-KCENTER. We are committed to putting you and your recovery first. We want to help you get control of your thinking, because recovery starts in your mind.