It doesn't matter if you have earned your AA Chip for being 10 years sober of if you're still in the first month of your recovery—we all need a little inspiration on our journeys with addiction.
Maybe you want to congratulate someone on their sobriety by writing them a meaningful card, or perhaps you need some words of encouragement for sobriety because you're feeling vulnerable.
No matter your situation, the following recovery quotes will remind you of the value of living a sober lifestyle and breaking free from your addiction.
1. On Refusing to Accept Temporary Happiness
If you can feel yourself slipping and you're desperate to have a drink or use, turn to this entry from Heather King to remind yourself of the false sense of "relief" that it provides.
"I once heard a sober alcoholic say that drinking never made him happy, but it made him feel like he was going to be happy in about fifteen minutes."
Alcohol and drugs are full of false promises and temporary relief from the real issues you're using or drinking to avoid addressing.
That happy period at the end of the "15 minutes" King talks about never comes. True joy only comes when you commit to living a life that's in your control.
2. On Forgiving Yourself
While seeking the forgiveness of friends and family members we've wronged with our addictions is certainly painful, often, learning to forgive ourselves is the hardest part of sobriety.
That's why we love this quote from Teri Guillemets:
"Don't let the past steal your present."
If you linger on the mistakes, bad choices, and hurtful things you did in the throes of your addiction, you'll never be able to fully appreciate the beauty and possibility of a sober life.
It's time to let go.
3. On Second Chances
Many have followed singer Demi Lovato's public and difficult battle with addiction, sobriety, and mental health issues.
If you're among the 40-60% of addicts who've relapsed, it's important to remember that starting over is OK.
Take the singer's words to heart:
“If you’ve relapsed and are afraid to get help again, just know it’s possible to take that step towards recovery. If you’re alive today, you can make it back. You’re worth it.”
4. On Celebration
We strongly suggest this taking this quote from Maggie Swann to heart:
“It takes a lot of strength to ride the storm of addiction, but it’s worth it.”
Part of the reason why it's so important to celebrate sobriety, to hand out AA tokens and medallions, and even to pat yourself on the back is that what you've been through was—and will continue to be—a struggle.
If you acknowledge that you're strong enough to beat the toughest demons, then you're more likely to continue to succeed.
Make These Recovery Quotes a Part of Your Daily Practice
Whether you want to make these recovery quotes a part of your personal meditation practice, or if you want to sure them with a friend, remember: you're not in this alone.
Want to celebrate your sobriety with other people? Need AA medallions to give to a friend?
We have beautiful sobriety tokens that serve as a tangible reminder of your success. Check out our shop for coins, jewelry, cards, and much more.
Above all?
Never forget the strength you're capable of.