Journaling is one of the most common forms of writing therapy for those in recovery, and with good reason. It offers writers space to freely process and express themselves and their story, something which the emotional numbing of addiction works directly against. Beginning a regular journaling practice in recovery will invite a time for consistent self-reflection and self-development to help grow the connection to yourself. Journaling can make sense of the chaos in early recovery and continue to be a powerful stress-relieving tool in aftercare.
The Ultimate Recovery Record Keeper
Part of the journaling process is recording your feelings, reactions, and experiences as you progress through recovery. It brings awareness and insight into yourself as you chronicle the negative emotions that arise within yourself and your response to them during your struggles. Taking this written inventory of your successes and failures along the way will help you to observe patterns in your behavior and learn from past mistakes to pivot your behavior towards more positive emotional habits in recovery.
A Powerful Healing Tool
One of the most freeing aspects of using writing to heal is that you are getting the negative or traumatic thoughts and feelings outside of yourself by putting pen to paper. Journaling gives users a positive outlet for processing emotions or situations, speaking their truth, expressing themselves, and releasing negative emotions. Deciding what to write and how to write it brings feelings of autonomy and control to the recovering addict, which helps bring feelings of power back into their life.
The Accountability Partner You Didn’t Know You Needed
Keeping your journal full of lists of goals or to-do’s is also a great tool to help you in recovery. Writing down what you need to accomplish in a given day or week can help you stay motivated to follow through and accomplish it with no task too small to write, like making your bed or going to your AA meeting. Setting small goals along the way towards reaching your bigger goals can help give you the confidence and focus on keeping you moving in the right direction towards bigger goals.
Journaling can be used as an excellent tool for bringing motivation, self-awareness, and healing into your life. Journaling and other forms of writing therapy are essential complementary therapies to promote more profound healing and success in recovery. If you or a loved one are struggling to stay sober, call Avalon Malibu. At Avalon, we offer a nurturing and therapeutic environment for patients to find recovery through a combination of 12-Step and holistic therapies for a comprehensive treatment program unique to you. We understand that everyone’s needs are different and will find the right treatment program to heal your mind, body, and spirit. Call us today at (844) 857-5992 to begin your life of hope and freedom from addiction.
