Joy

How does joy affect recovery?

While in active addiction, some of us pretended to be happy for long enough that we forgot what real joy felt like. We used alcohol and other drugs to self-medicate ourselves against emotional pain, and in the process gradually found ourselves also incapable of feeling other emotions, such as happiness, joy, and peace.

In early recovery, many of the emotions flooding into your life may seem painful. Remember that your capacity for joy, serenity, and peace will grow as you gain more experience in recovery.

Like happiness, joy is often an elusive emotion. But if you actively work the Twelve Steps, pursue a meaningful relationship with your Higher Power, and make time to deepen relationships with others, you’ll witness more joy in your daily life.