Instant gratification can be the thief of sobriety and happiness. Looking for instant satisfaction from life can often reinforce bad habits like drug use or drinking.

People who value instant gratification may use drugs to keep off withdrawal symptoms rather than investing in their long-term happiness by enduring the withdrawals to build lasting sobriety. At our Heartland treatment center, we understand the connection between delayed gratification and sober living and we help our patients break the cycle of instant gratification and drug addiction.

What Is Delayed Gratification?

  Delayed gratification is the act of focusing on building long-term success, even if it means enduring discomfort or even pain in the present. You work through the difficult present moment because you know that in the future, your work will pay off. Instant gratification, on the other hand, is ignoring the future and taking the immediate satisfaction available in the present moment, no matter how much that may endanger you down the road. Many celebrity overdoses and overdoses nationwide are the result of instant gratification.

There is a strong connection between delayed gratification and sober living, with people in recovery mastering the art of impulse control so they can stay on their path of sobriety. Call 888-280-4763 to learn how we can help you get and stay sober by strengthening your self-control for recovery.

Is Delayed Gratification Good?

  Yes, delayed gratification is very good for a person. It is a type of impulse control that can help with achieving long-term goals of health, happiness, and success. It’s seeing the finish line, no matter how far off it may be, and pursuing the goal without being distracted by less substantial immediate gratification.

For sobriety, delayed gratification is paramount, it allows people to hold strong against their withdrawals, cravings, and other challenges in pursuit of lasting sobriety. There is a strong relationship between self-control and delayed gratification, with individuals needing strong impulse control skills to stick to their chosen path.

How to Practice Delayed Gratification

At Banyan Heartland, we understand how difficult it can be to practice delayed gratification. The very neurobiology of addiction often hardwires a person’s reward systems for instant gratification, so staying on track with the needed self-control for delayed gratification can feel impossible. But with the right therapy, guidance, and support, you can avoid instant satisfaction and follow the long-term path of success by sticking to your recovery plan. Let our team at Banyan Heartland help you on your road to recovery.

Call 888-280-4763 to learn more about our treatment options and support programs.