Critical thinking is not necessarily what you think it is. It is not even a radical concept or idea that is new but the truth is recovery tends to involve a lot of emotion and less thinking. If you are in an addiction recovery program, you are dealing with lots of changes, new routines, friends, healing, and developing a new way of life. It makes sense you are dealing with lots of emotions and less critical thinking skills. At some point in treatment and recovery you will need these tools to help you navigate the ups and downs of the journey.
Defining Critical Thinking
Critical thinking is basically a rational, open-minded approach to how the brain processes information. In recovery, this may mean looking at addiction or substance use as objectively as possible. This might mean re-examining past beliefs while keeping an open mind to keep from getting stuck in old patterns. Critical thinking in recovery might mean learning new things and focusing on how to stay away from common triggers to use drugs or alcohol. If you or a loved one are bored and experience ups and downs in your emotions, it is hard to choose the right path. On the other hand, if you use critical thinking skills, you are likely to know emotions pass over time and you will focus better on new experiences.
Benefits
Many benefits exist for developing critical thinking skills in recovery. Aside from helping to keep focused and moving forward, they also include helping you to see multiple paths and that you can have a healthy recovery. If you or a loved one are trying to develop critical thinking skills, you may not know how to get started but there are some tips to help:
- Stay open-minded and put current beliefs and values to the test
- Listen to opposing viewpoints without dismissing them outright
- Refrain from accepting other people’s claims before you have had time to do your own research
- Listen carefully and learn to refrain from jumping to conclusions
- Follow the tips and learn to be present while thinking with an open, informed mind
Oceanfront Recovery offers a place that will help you focus on peace and rest. If you are seeking a space to recover from addiction where you are close to the ocean and can be around others pursuing the same ideals, call us. We will provide individualized programs and services designed to help you gain insight and wisdom into your addiction so you can move into a more blissful and peaceful place in recovery: 877-279-1777
