“Our attitude has turned from denial, defiance, and belligerence to gratitude, humility, and a sincere effort to be of service.”

– Life with Hope, second edition, page 48

When using pot every day, I could not fathom ever feeling grateful for anything. Life was hard, and all I could think about every day was how I was going to get more pot to stay stoned. For me, addiction was a negative outlook on life, focused on what I didn’t have, and never giving thanks for what I did have.

When I came to recovery and I immediately lost the desire to use drugs and alcohol, I was amazed. The compulsion and obsession left me. I found meetings about gratitude to be annoying. I didn’t understand when people said they were a grateful marijuana addict. What!? Then at five years clean, I experienced a very traumatic event which turned my life upside down. I never thought of using, but it took me several years to reestablish a connection with a Higher Power I didn’t understand.

While grieving the changes that had occurred, I was able to focus on what was good in my life, and gratitude became my daily spiritual practice. Addiction is being negative, and recovery is about focusing on the good in my life. What I focus on grows, and today I know I am a very grateful marijuana addict. I am grateful for my sobriety and recovery, and for the 12 Steps that have changed my life in every way. My attitude has definitely changed from negativity to being able to focus on the positive.

Final thought: Today, I am grateful for my sobriety and my recovery, and all the blessings in my life. Gratitude is one of the most important tools in my recovery toolbox.