Writing and Journals

Relapse Prevention Tools

When we are facing difficulties, distress, or a compulsion to use or drink, we sometimes find that thinking about these difficulties is not enough. When we have reflected upon and talked through our distress we can find that we still cannot work out the right thing to do.

In these situations, writing down our problems often helps. Just by putting them down on paper, we find it is easier to see situations from a new perspective and perhaps realise what it is we should do about them.
By writing, in a journal, diary, workbook, or on a sheet of paper, we can identify the assets and liabilities which can be helpful or damaging to our recovery. We can express our feelings in a safe and healthy way which can relieve our distress.  We can also identify the patterns that we need to address as they may become clearer when written down.

 
Writing can also help us share our thoughts and feelings more openly and thoroughly with a sponsor, therapist or friend. Writing things down can help us to untangle our thinking and counter self-defeating feelings and thoughts with positive or realistic arguments.

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