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Treatment
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Updated on June 16, 2023
4 min read

Positive Affirmations for Recovery

Key Takeaways

Positive affirmations are statements you say to yourself that reframe negative thoughts and feelings. They help you boost self-confidence and make positive changes on your recovery path.

Affirmations are helpful during addiction recovery because self-doubt is such a challenge during this time. Research shows positive attitudes improve health outcomes. This includes both mental and physical health. Incorporating affirmations into your routine is one of the most powerful tools during recovery.

Many different affirmations for recovery from addictions are useful. It’s best to tailor affirmations to your specific circumstances.

Affirmations are useful no matter what recovery approach you’ve chosen.

What is a Positive Affirmation?

A positive affirmation is a simple statement asserting a positive concept. You can say them aloud, silently, or in writing. Repeated over time, positive affirmations reshape thinking and improve confidence.

Even if the statement is initially something you don’t believe, saying it over time helps you believe it’s true.

Affirmations capitalize on your brain’s ability to develop new thinking patterns. Repeating a positive phrase every day reshapes your mindset.

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Why Do We Need Positive Affirmations in Recovery?

Mental and emotional health is as important as physical health during addiction recovery from substance abuse. Unfortunately, recovery is one of the most difficult times to maintain mental health. It’s a time that triggers feelings of guilt, shame, and self-doubt for many people.

Developing a positive approach is a great way to combat the negative self-doubt that arises during recovery. Positive affirmations help you reframe your thoughts.  Words affect how we perceive our situation and the world around us. They change our perspective on life.

Self-talk affects how you feel and your beliefs. It’s an important part of curating a positive approach. If your self-talk includes phrases like “I’ll never break my addiction,” chances are you won’t. 

However, if you say positive statements like “I deserve to recover from alcohol or drug addiction,” even if you don’t immediately believe it. Eventually, you’ll begin to do so. 

Affirmations are more than just wishes and hopes. They’re powerful statements that alter your perception of reality. They help you break negative thought patterns. They’re also beneficial when dealing with the negative emotions related to addiction. They’re a reset for your thoughts.

Does Positive Thinking Help Recovery?

Yes. Research shows there is a link between positivity and health.1 

Positive thinking helps you manage stress, increases your energy, improves self-esteem, and makes it more likely that you’ll achieve your goals.

Positive belief also increases your motivation. A positive attitude helps you maintain motivation and stick with your desire for sobriety. This is true even if you experience setbacks or have trouble staying sober.

How to Use Affirmations for Recovery

You can use affirmations in several different ways. For example:

  • Incorporate them into your existing routines. Say affirmations while washing your face or doing the dishes.
  • Keep your statements simple. As you adjust to using affirmations, you can string a few together. Initially, though, start with one simple phrase.
  • Customize general affirmations to your specific circumstances. Most positive affirmations apply to addiction recovery.
  • Use positive words and avoid phrases like “I can’t” or “I won’t.”
  • Use first-person affirmations that start with “I will” or “I am.”
  • Try a self-affirmation during mindfulness meditation. 
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50 Positive Affirmations for Recovery and Sobriety

  1. I am stronger than my addiction.
  2. I am worthy of love.
  3. I am capable and strong.
  4. I am enough.
  5. I am valued and appreciated.
  6. I am getting better every day.
  7. I am open to opportunities.
  8. I am excited to live my life.
  9. I care about my well-being.
  10. Today is a good day.
  11. I deserve to have the support of loved ones.
  12. My life is a gift.
  13. What I choose to do is enough.
  14. I am excited to live my life.
  15. I am at peace with who I am.
  16. I will make someone smile today.
  17. I choose to let go of doubt.
  18. I am on a good path.
  19. Good things happen in my life.
  20. I will allow people to love me.
  21. My body is strong.
  22. I choose to live in the present.
  23. I am a positive person.
  24. I deserve to experience happiness.
  25. I can do whatever I put my mind to.
  26. I am worthy of respect.
  27. I am manifesting my goals.
  28. I accept my flaws.
  29. I decide what I become.
  30. I have the strength to keep going.
  31. I make healthy habits my priority.
  32. I am willing to work on myself.
  33. I am creating the life I want for myself.
  34. I am strong and capable.
  35. I am worthy of affection.
  36. Amazing things are coming my way.
  37. I deserve a better life.
  38. I am making positive changes.
  39. I make mistakes, but I am not my mistakes.
  40. I express unconditional love daily.
  41. I have a strong spirit.
  42. I am courageous.
  43. I attract blessings.
  44. Failure/relapse is a stepping stone.
  45. Negative thoughts will not get me down.
  46. I am full of purpose.
  47. I am productive every day.
  48. I am open to opportunities.
  49. I create my reality.
  50. The world is a beautiful place.
Updated on June 16, 2023
6 sources cited
Updated on June 16, 2023
All Alcoholrehabhelp content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.

We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies.
  1. Johns Hopkins Medicine Health Library. “The Power of Positive Thinking.” hopkinsmedicine.org, 2019. 

  2. Harvard Health Publishing. “Positive Psychology – Harvard Health.” health.harvard.edu, 2019.

  3. Mayo Clinic Staff. “Positive Thinking: Stop Negative Self-Talk to Reduce Stress.” mayoclinic.org, 2022. 

  4. Mayo Clinic Staff. “Accentuate the Positive to Make Lasting Health Changes.” mayoclinic.org, 2021. 

  5. Cleveland Clinic. “Do Positive Affirmations Work? What Experts Say.” health.clevelandclinic.org, 2021.

  6. National Institute on Drug Abuse. “Words Matter: Preferred Language for Talking about Addiction.” nida.nih.gov, 2021.

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All content created by Alcohol Rehab Help is sourced from current scientific research and fact-checked by an addiction counseling expert. However, the information provided by Alcohol Rehab Help is not a substitute for professional treatment advice.
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