Recovery is not just about putting down drugs and alcohol. Recovery is a new way of life, and a new way of thinking. When you were in active addiction, you may not have thought through most of you alcohol and drug use. For instance, when you had a thought to use, you used.

Recovery is about developing new patterns of thinking. These changes to your thinking can mean the difference between relapse and recovery. To put it simply, thinking before you act is one way to stay sober.

When you are in active addiction, when you had a thought to use, you used. This process was second nature. Immediately acting on your thoughts was instinct. Recovery teaches you that you can’t act on every thought that comes to your mind. If you are able to learn to think before you act, you will be able to withstand craving. Cravings happen more frequently in early recovery, so this is a priceless skill to master.

Thoughts are not based on fact. Just because you think about using does not mean that you should use. When you are in active addiction, you may not always remember to stop and think through negative thoughts before you act. Try to remember to Stop and Think before Acting.

Similar to what you learned in school if you were ever on fire, Stop, Drop, and Roll. In recovery, Stop and Think before Acting.

Thinking before you act keeps you accountable. Thinking through a thought to use puts distance between thought and action. The more you do this, the easier it becomes to think through a craving. If you do not remember anything else, remember to stop when you have a thought, process the thought, question the thought, and then act.

Thinking before you act isn’t just about substance use, this principle also involves the way that you treat others and yourself. Recovery is also about changing the way that you interact with others and changing the way you operate in your daily life. The 12 step program teaches you that recovery is a lifestyle change. You can’t do the same types of things that you did in your addiction now that you are sober.

At The Kimberly Center, we care about your recovery and your emotional health. This includes the way you think. Call us now at 855-4-KCENTER. We are committed to putting you and your recovery first. At the Kimberly Center, you are our priority.