“Without knowing the force of words, it is impossible to know more,” wrote Confucius. Though the Chinese thinker and social philosopher wrote these words thousands of years ago, they’re still meaningful today.
Short, striking, or memorable phrases are slogans, and we use them often in our daily lives. You might see them on bumper stickers, billboards, or even tattooed on a person’s body.
Slogans and sayings are powerful tools that people use as mottos to live by, to help them remember what’s important, and when it comes to recovery from alcoholism and drug abuse, to help them stay sober.
Nature of Addiction
Due to the nature of addiction, recovery is an ongoing process. Because it is a chronic disease, there is no cure for it. Each individual must find what works best for him or her to stay motivated and positive. Recovery slogans are one way to help accomplish that.
Below is a list of 42 slogans for people in recovery. Many of them are quite good and some are amazing. But that’s just one opinion. It’s up to each person to find the one or two in the list that lights their fire. Then use them as a motivational compass for staying on track with their goals. There are thousands of them floating around.
Some sayings and slogans are short…only a few words, not even a sentence. Others are full quotes by respected people throughout history. We chose to list the short ones because they tend to keep things simple, and simple can be very effective. One of them is a reminder to do just that.
42 of Motivational Sayings
1. A smooth sea never made a good sailor
2. The disease is progressive. So is recovery.
3. Progress, not perfection
4. Keep it simple (KISS)
5. Turn I Wish into I Will
6. Nothing is so bad a drink won’t make it worse
7. When in doubt – don’t
8. Small steps forward are still steps
9. Recovery doesn’t happen overnight
10. Addiction is an equal opportunity destroyer
11. Have an attitude of gratitude
12. The road to sobriety is a simple journey for confused people with a complicated disease
13. Take a deep breath. It’s just a bad day, not a bad life.
14. Easy does it
15. First things first
16. When you smile, your brain thinks you’re happy
17. Pick yourself back up – you’ve got this
18. Let go of old ideas
19. Each day may not be good, but there’s good in every day
20. Mistakes are proof that you’re trying
21. Keep your sobriety first to make it last
22. You’re not required to like it. You’re only required to do it
23. If you find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn’t lead anywhere
24. There’s no progress without struggle
25. A scar is a reminder that you’re stronger than whatever hurt you
26. Yesterday is a canceled check, tomorrow is an IOU, today is cash – spend is wisely
27. Your day will go the way the corners of your mouth turn
28. You have brains in your head and feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.
29. I am in charge of how I feel, and today, I’m choosing Happiness
30. Real recovery is a complete lifestyle change
31. Never let a stumble on the road be the end of the Journey
32. Your struggle is part of your story
33. The Happiness of your life depends upon the Quality of your Thoughts
34. Good things come to those who work their asses off and never give up
35. Whenever you feel like giving up, think of all the people who would love to see you fail
36. If Plan A didn’t work, the alphabet has 25 more letters
37. Stop Hating yourself for what you aren’t and start Loving yourself for what you are
38. If it is important, you will find a way. If not, you’ll find an excuse.
39. I am not what happened to me. I am what I choose to become.
40. HOPE – Hold On Pain Ends
41. Life always offers you a second chance. It’s called Tomorrow.
42. Be someone you want to be around
Use With Meditation
Though they’re only words, slogans and sayings have the power to keep us motivated and focused on living the best life we can. When used with meditation, these simple sayings can help calm our minds, change the nature of our brainwaves and lessen feelings of anxiety and worry.
The most important thing for anyone with addiction is getting treatment at a qualified facility. Abusing drugs and alcohol alters an individual’s brain chemistry, which can skew their thought patterns. This leads to a cycle of destructive behavior that’s difficult to overcome.
Once alcohol and drugs are removed from an individual’s system recovery begins. One-on-one counseling is a helpful tool for exploring any underlying causes that drive destructive behavior. Relapse prevention therapy can help limit the recurrence of their disease.
In sobriety, a person can develop new habits; new ways of thinking and slogans play an essential role in this process.
Feel free to share this list and pass it along to others seeking encouragement during recovery.
See also…
34 Pieces of Advice About Addiction From Patients in Recovery
Good Bye Break-Up Letter to Alcohol
Kaizen Strives for Continuous Improvement and a Change for the Better
Ikigai – Discovering Your Passion and Purpose
