Entering into recovery is a giant step towards a bright, drug-free future. There are several tried and true tools to use to help individuals in this stage remain sober, one being a recovery journal. Many people rely on supportive tactics like this in the earlier stages of recovery, but are encouraged to continue use as long as required.
What Is A Recovery Journal?
A recovery journal is just what it sounds like. People who have entered recovery write entries into a journal as a way to heal and reflect on their journey. Recovery journals are among the most common sobriety techniques. These journals do not require daily entries. Individuals keeping journals can write whenever they choose to. The National Institute on Drug Abuse states that replacing drug-using activities with constructive activities, such as journaling, improves problem-solving skills and facilitates better interpersonal relationships.
Benefits of Recovery Journals
There are many benefits to keeping a recovery journal, especially in early stages of recovery. They encourage personal reflection while also reducing the likelihood of relapse. Recovery journals can be used as a primary recovery tool or in combination with others.
Relapse Prevention
Recovery journals are very valuable when it comes to relapse prevention. Individuals who rely on journaling can effectively reflect on their emotions, therefore minimizing the threat of relapse. Because relapse is most likely in the early stages of recovery, recovery journals are an important tool to have. Instead of giving in when you have the urge to use, journaling effectively reroutes your attention and keeps you from relapsing.
Managing Triggers
Triggers are common throughout recovery. Specific people, places or memories are capable of reigniting the urge to use. By documenting daily stressors or triggers, their power is minimized and the urge can be subdued. Instead of giving into triggers, journaling about the event is a great way to divert your attention and stay sober.
Emotional Reflection
Emotions vary day to day and documenting them in a recovery journal is a great way to vent and reflect. As addiction and disorders are highly emotional, recovery is also. Emotions have the power to divert progress when left unconfronted. Therefore, recovery journals increase the likelihood of sustained sobriety. Whether you had a bad day, received a promotion, or had a relatively uneventful day, journaling is a great emotional outlet to have.
Progress Tracking
Living in recovery is an ongoing lifestyle. Because of this, monitoring your progress will allow you to see your recovery trajectory over the span of time. You will have good days as well as setbacks, but journaling throughout the course of recovery will assist in recording the events and effectively sustaining sobriety. You will never know how far you’ve come if you don’t realize where you started.
New Hobby
Now that using your drug of choice is not taking up your free time, picking up a new hobby is a great and healthy way of maintaining your hard-earned sobriety. Journaling allows people to be reflective, and has a calming effect. Many treatment centers advocate beginning a new hobby such as painting, gardening, or playing an instrument. Journaling is a great hobby to pick up as it prevents triggers and gives personal insight while you write.
Creative Outlet
Recovery journals are great in sustaining sobriety, but they don’t have to be limited to recovery. Writing down thoughts and feelings is a great emotional outlet and can really bring out your creative side. You may be a talented writer and have yet to realize it! Many of the most notable authors struggled with addiction and were able to harness their emotions and convey them through their writing. Tapping into your creative outlet can build confidence and is a great way to share your struggle with others, or no one at all. It’s up to you!
Riverwalk Recovery Can Help
The value of a recovery journal is unparalleled. We, at Riverwalk Recovery Center understand the importance of using all the tools you can to maintain sobriety. By enlisting the help of our treatment professionals, you can feel safe and comfortable knowing that you are receiving effective, quality care. We offer various services to fit your needs and place an emphasis on overall health and wellbeing.
At Riverwalk Recovery Center, we prioritize your unique needs and build a treatment plan that prioritizes your required level and method of care. At our center, you are a person, not a number. We offer detox, a Partial Hospitalization Program, an Intensive Outpatient Program, an outpatient program, medication-assisted treatment, and various health and wellness programs.
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, we are here to help. The professionals at Riverwalk are trained to treat addiction at every stage and want you to know that you no longer have to struggle alone. Call a specialist at Riverwalk Recovery Center today and let us know how we can help.