creative writing prompts for substance abuse

31 Powerful Journaling Prompts for Recovery from Addiction

Journaling is a liberating practice that is good for your mental health. It allows you to work through emotions, thoughts, and feelings. So these journaling prompts for recovery are designed to help you gain introspection concerning your addiction. Also, to process your recovery journey with a personal recovery journal.

Reasons to Journal During Addiction Recovery

Writing allows you to work through your issues tangibly. Firstly, journaling provides a creative outlet. Secondly, revisit and unpack memories and elaborate on new ideas. Thirdly, journaling is a fantastic  source of stress relief.  Lastly, keeping a recovery journal documents your journey. So that you may reflect on how far you’ve come on your recovery journey one day.

Additionally, celebrate your daily progress while maintaining personal accountability. It’s essential to celebrate sobriety milestones. Furthermore, maintain personal accountability. Responsibility is huge for successful recovery, particularly during the beginning stages. So get your thoughts organized and onto paper.

Keeping a journal is a healthy habit to replace former negative ones. Also, it’s a positive beginning to maintaining a routine. Something many addicts struggle with in life.

Journaling is a mental health safe space. So embrace the process. Allow yourself to be vulnerable with yourself and experience healing and growth.

Thirty-one journaling prompts for recovery challenge you to commit to your first month of the journaling process. I sincerely hope that you experience deep reflection and healing and continue onto one year of recovery journaling.

Different Journaling Styles

Before you get started, it’s important to note the varying journaling styles (there is no wrong way to journal). Here are five popular journal formats to consider using as a recovery journal.

Gratitude Journaling

Gratitude journaling is a popular style for expressing what you’re grateful for in recovery. Cultivating an attitude of gratitude is vital for successful recovery. So regardless of your prompt for the day, it’s good to include at least one thing you’re grateful for having in your addiction journal.

Bullet Journaling

Bullet journaling or, boho journals, are popular with artistic people. They are a grid design journal and you design it yourself with fun gel pens and boho stickers, and stencils.

Self-Guided Journaling

Self-guided journaling is the dear diary format most people are familiar with in journaling. I find this style to be reflective, but having guided prompts helps ensure I’m focused.

Prayer Journaling

Another journal style is prayer journaling. Prayer journaling provides an intimate relationship with God and helps you discover who you are and what is important to you.

Guided Recovery Journaling

Finally, these journaling prompts for recovery are the guided journal style. The prompts lead you through self-discovery and I like it best for the addiction recovery process. Also, there will be gratitude journal prompts because being grateful is crucial for successful real recovery.

Question Journaling Prompts for Recovery

Asking yourself questions is an effective way to reflect on your thoughts, feelings, and emotions. Also, dig deeper into traumas that may be your underlying issues for substance abuse. Here is a few question journal prompts to start documenting your recovery journey. Finally, remember that complete honesty is valuable to your recovery process. So don’t cheat yourself out of real recovery and get the most out of these writing prompts.

1. What am I grateful for on my addiction recovery journey?

2.   How would I explain addiction to someone who’s never experienced it before?

3.   What does the word  freedom  mean to me?

4.   If I weren’t in recovery how would my life look right now?

5.   What is my biggest fear and how do I plan to overcome it?

6.   Who is the person that I admire most and why?

7.   What about the recovery process scares me the most?

8.   What does unconditional love mean to me, and have I experienced or given it?

9.   What is something that I wish other people knew and understood about me?

10.   How do I want to celebrate my sobriety in five years?

11.   If I were giving a motivational advice speech about recovery, what would I say?

12.   What does self-care mean to me, and am I practicing it?

13.   When was I the most confident in life?

14.   What is my favorite memory? Include all the details that I can remember. Was there a special loved one there?

15.   How do I determine whether or not someone is trustworthy?

List Journal Prompts for Recovery Journal

Making lists helps you to explore thoughts, feelings, and emotions. So select a number for each list and commit to filling it in. These journal prompts have numbers listed for you. However, you can write more or less. A good list includes three to ten items per question in your recovery journal.

16.  What are five things that I’ve learned during my recovery process?

17. Name ten things that I like about myself.

18. What are five things that I never want to experience again from my substance use days?

19. Name 10 things in my life that make me smile.

20. List three positive things about my childhood.

21. What are five things I’m proud of myself for achieving in sobriety?

22. What are three things I’ve done for other people?

23. List ten things that I’m grateful for in life currently.

24. What are five things that I couldn’t live without and why?

25. In what ways does my recovery inspire others? Do I inspire myself?

Goal-Setting Addiction Journaling Prompts for Recovery

After you’ve answered questions and made lists about yourself, it is time to set your goals. There are three sets of goals to address in your addiction journal. So sit down and take some time to reflect on what each of these sets of goals looks like for you.

Short-Term Goals in Recovery

Short-term goals are your immediate ambitions. Usually, these goals are determined between one and six months.

26. What are your short-term goals in recovery?

Medium-Term Goals in Recovery

Medium-term goals are the intentions you set for yourself during the next one to two years.

27. What are my medium-term goals in my recovery process?

Long-Term Goals in Recovery

Long-term goals address objectives you determine for yourself over the next five to ten years.

28. What are my long-term goals in sobriety?

Letter Journaling Prompts for Recovery

Writing letters to yourself is a beautiful way to heal and transform your perspective. Letter writing, or transactional writing, helps move you past things you thought you couldn’t get over.

Additionally, writing letters promote compassion, empathy, and forgiveness, as well as developing an attitude of gratitude as you move beyond transgressions and accept the healing and release that writing provides.

29. Write a letter to my younger addicted self. What do I want to tell my younger self?

30. Write a letter to present-day me. What do I need to know today?

31. Write a letter to my future self. What do I want to tell my future self?

Related Reading – 10 Amazing Gratitude Journaling Prompts for Recovering Addicts

Additional Things to Include in Your Addiction Recovery Journal

In addition to journaling prompts, you can include different things to influence your creative outlet. Here are a few ideas for ways to indulge your creativity:

• Add  color by drawing  fun doodles.
• Include favorite pictures throughout the pages.
• Use  journal stencils  if your freehand is subpar.
• Press and dry flowers between the pages.
• Include inspirational sobriety quotes.
• Write scripture throughout the pages.
• Decorate your journal with  positive stickers .

That concludes this list of journaling prompts for recovery from addiction. Are you proud of yourself? I don’t know whether or not anyone has expressed what a badass you are? So let me congratulate you on your addiction recovery journey, you badass! Also, would you hit that social share button for me? Thanks! Those make me incredibly happy, and it’s the kindest thing you can do for me. You’ve achieved sobriety, and you’ve got this!

Popular Reading at Sober Healing

52 Inspiring Recovery Quotes for Your Sober Journal

How to Stay Sober: 20 Tips for Successful Recovery

Elizabeth Ervin

Elizabeth Ervin is the owner of Sober Healing. She is a freelance writer passionate about opioid recovery and has celebrated breaking free since 09-27-2013. She advocates for mental health awareness and encourages others to embrace healing, recovery, and Jesus.

• 15 Simple Habits That Dramatically Improve Your Life in Less Than a Month
• 18 Creative Hobbies That Aren't on Every List
• 15 Immediate Turn-Offs Commonly Found in Online Dating Bios
• 10 Once Upon a Time Romantic Things That Would Never Fly Today

15 Genuine Life Lessons You Should Listen to the Boomers About Today

15 much older celebrity scandals you probably forgot about completely.

SHIPPING TO WITHIN USA ONLY - 🚚 FREE SHIPPING WITHIN US!

Item added to your cart

50 journal prompts for addiction recovery.

Welcome to your journey of self-discovery and renewal through addiction recovery.

These 50 journal prompts are designed to guide you through exploring your past, embracing the present, and envisioning a healthier future . Recovery is a personal and powerful path filled with challenges and triumphs. Each prompt will help you reflect deeply on your experiences and foster growth .

Grab your journal, and let’s start this transformative exploration together.

Addiction Recovery Insights

• What motivated you to start your recovery journey?
• How do you define recovery in your own words?
• What are three positive changes you’ve noticed since beginning recovery?
• Write about a day you felt particularly strong in your recovery.
• What coping strategies have been most effective for you?
• Describe a challenge you've overcome in your recovery.
• What does a typical day look like for you now compared to before recovery?
• Who supports you the most in your recovery, and how?
• What are you most proud of achieving so far in your recovery?
• How do you handle moments of doubt or fear about recovery?

"Every day sober is a victory. Celebrate every step."

Your recovery goals.

• What short-term goals are you working towards in your recovery?
• Describe a long-term goal that recovery is helping you achieve.
• What skills are you developing to prevent relapse?
• How do you plan to improve your physical health as part of recovery?
• What are some ways you can strengthen your mental resilience?
• How do you celebrate milestones in your recovery?
• What new activities have you adopted to replace old habits?
• How do you measure progress in your recovery?
• What does success in recovery look like to you?
• What personal strengths have you discovered through your recovery?

"Recovery is not a race, but a life-long journey of discovery."

Addiction recovery challenges.

• How do you deal with triggers or cravings?
• What has been the toughest part of your recovery journey?
• How do you rebuild trust with others after addiction?
• What lessons have you learned from any setbacks in your recovery?
• How do you stay committed to recovery during tough times?
• What changes have you made to your social environment to support recovery?
• How do you approach social situations that may challenge your recovery?
• Describe how you overcame a recent obstacle in your recovery.
• What advice would you give to someone just starting their recovery?
• How do you maintain hope on difficult days?

"Be kind to yourself; recovery takes time and patience."

Recovery practices.

• How does mindfulness or meditation play a role in your recovery?
• What daily practices help keep you grounded?
• How do you prioritize self-care and why is it important for recovery?
• Describe a relaxation technique that has been particularly helpful.
• What are your strategies for dealing with stress now?
• How has your perspective on life changed since beginning recovery?
• What are some affirmations that motivate you?
• How do you find peace in challenging moments?
• What hobbies or interests have you explored that help your recovery?
• How do you ensure a balanced lifestyle in recovery?

"Strength grows in the moments when you think you can't go on but keep going anyway."

Reflecting on personal growth.

• What have you learned about yourself through recovery?
• How have your relationships changed since you started recovery?
• What are you grateful for today?
• How do you approach forgiveness, both towards yourself and others?
• What dreams are you more able to pursue now?
• How has your communication improved in recovery?
• What’s something new you’ve learned that surprised you?
• How do you inspire or support others in their recovery?
• What legacy do you want to create moving forward?
• How do you envision your life five years from now?

You've taken meaningful steps to delve into your recovery journey through these reflective prompts. Each question was an opportunity to confront, understand, and celebrate your path to a healthier life. Recovery is an ongoing journey of growth and learning.

Continue to use these prompts as you move forward, allowing them to guide and inspire you. Embrace your progress , and look forward to the bright future you are building each day.

Read Other Related Journal Prompts

This is now my best line “Strength grows in the moments when you think you can’t go on but keep going anyway.”

Thanks for that …it helps me a lot for developing my experience

Wow nice and interesting site.

Excellent questionnaire, addiction in any area is really a problem and sometimes the person does not even realize it, filling out this guide The healing process is advanced because it seals every doubt.

This blog post is an incredibly thoughtful and comprehensive resource for anyone on their recovery journey. The prompts are insightful and well-structured, guiding individuals through self-reflection and growth. It’s clear that a lot of care went into creating this guide, making it an invaluable tool for fostering resilience and hope. Thank you for sharing such a powerful and supportive resource.

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.

See LeStallion's Signature PU Leather 120 GSM A5 Journals

Ariegeois | ashgray black - a5 lined journal notebook, garrano | cocoa brown - a5 lined journal notebook, henson | desert brown - a5 lined journal notebook, galloway | khaki cream - a5 lined journal notebook, roan | royal blue - a5 lined journal, jennet | juniper green - a5 lined journal notebook, charolais | grape purple - a5 lined journal notebook, gypsy | rosaye pink - a5 lined journal notebook, akhalteke | ochre yellow - a5 lined journal notebook, haflinger | biscuit brown - a5 lined journal notebook, 50 meditation journal prompts.

Meditation is a powerful practice that helps calm the mind and connect with our inner selves. These meditation journal prompts are designed to guide you through reflections and insights gained...

50 Social Emotional Journal Prompts

Exploring social emotional journal prompts can be a meaningful way to understand and nurture your emotions and relationships. Journaling helps you reflect on your feelings, build empathy, and develop a...

50 Reading Journal Prompts

Reading is a wonderful adventure that transports us to different worlds and opens our minds to new ideas. These reading journal prompts are designed to help you reflect on your...

• Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.
• Opens in a new window.

100+ Journal Prompts for Addiction Recovery

Addiction can take over your life in ways that are hard to imagine until you’re living through it. You might feel lost, overwhelmed, or even ashamed, but it’s important to remember that seeking recovery is a brave and powerful step.

Recovery isn’t just about quitting the substance or behavior—it’s also about rebuilding your life and rediscovering who you are without the addiction. It takes strength, patience, and a lot of self-compassion. You might have moments where you feel overwhelmed or unsure, but remember, every step forward, no matter how small, is a victory.

Here are some common types of addictions:

• Substance addictions like alcohol, drugs, or nicotine.
• Behavioral addictions such as gambling, shopping, or gaming.
• Food-related addictions like binge eating or compulsive dieting.
• Technology addictions , including social media, internet, or smartphone use.

Addiction can be complex, often involving physical, emotional, and psychological factors that are hard to manage alone. That’s why having the guidance of a trained professional can make a significant difference. Therapists, counselors, and support groups offer the tools and support needed to manage cravings, address underlying issues, and build a solid foundation for lasting recovery.

In addition to professional help, journaling is a great support. It gives you a private place to write down your thoughts and feelings, keep track of your progress, and think about the changes you’re experiencing.

Table of Contents

Prompts for Understanding Your Addiction

Prompts for reflecting on your journey, prompts for rebuilding self-worth and identity, prompts for overcoming triggers and cravings, prompts for managing setbacks and relapses, prompts for self-care and mindfulness, prompts for rediscovering joy and hobbies, prompts for achieving goals in recovery, prompts for building healthy relationships, prompts for celebrating progress and growth, final thoughts.

• What were the circumstances that led you to start using substances?
• Describe a time when your addiction felt most powerful. What was happening in your life then?
• List five emotions you commonly felt before you started using. How do they relate to your addiction?
• How does your addiction affect your daily life?
• Describe a day in your life before addiction versus now.
• What are the biggest misconceptions people have about your addiction?
• “My addiction taught me…”
• What are the physical and emotional signs that indicate you’re struggling?
• How did your addiction affect your relationships with those closest to you?
• What beliefs or thoughts have you held about yourself that may have contributed to your addiction?
• What moment made you realize that you needed to recover?
• What are the most significant milestones you’ve achieved in your recovery so far?
• In what ways have you surprised yourself during your recovery?
• Write about the hardest moment in your recovery journey so far. How did you overcome it?
• Write about a time when you felt proud of your progress.
• How do you handle days when you feel like giving up?
• List three lessons you have learned about yourself since starting your recovery.
• What has been the most rewarding part of your recovery journey?
• How do you view your addiction differently now compared to when you first started your recovery?
• What advice would you give to someone just starting their recovery journey?
• List five things you like about yourself today.
• “I am proud of myself for…”
• How has your sense of self changed since you began recovery?
• Write about a talent or hobby that makes you feel confident.
• Describe a day where you felt exceptionally good about yourself—what happened?
• What affirmations can you say to yourself when feeling down?
• How do you think overcoming addiction has reshaped your identity?
• What roles do you play in your life (e.g., friend, parent, employee), and how has recovery affected these?
• Describe how you want others to see you now that you are in recovery.
• What negative beliefs about yourself have you let go of during your recovery?
• How can you continue to build your self-worth daily?
• Reflect on a time when you doubted yourself. How did you overcome those doubts?
• What are some of your most common triggers? How do you plan to avoid or manage them?
• Write about a recent craving you had. How did you deal with it?
• List three coping strategies that have worked for you in managing cravings.
• Write about a place or situation you avoid to prevent relapse.
• How can you create a safe environment that reduces your exposure to triggers?
• How do you distract yourself when you feel a craving coming on?
• What has been your biggest temptation during your recovery, and how did you overcome it?
• List five healthy activities that help you manage triggers.
• Describe how you felt the last time you successfully managed a craving.
• What thoughts or beliefs help you stay strong when facing triggers?
• Reflect on a setback you’ve experienced in your recovery. What did you learn from it?
• How can you use a recent relapse as a learning opportunity rather than a failure?
• When I experience a setback, I can remind myself that __ .”
• What are some positive actions you can take immediately after a setback?
• What changes can you make to better prepare for potential setbacks?
• List the support systems you have in place when facing setbacks.
• How do you maintain hope during challenging times in your recovery?
• Write a letter to yourself forgiving yourself for a past relapse and encouraging yourself to move forward.
• How do you plan to get back on track after a setback?
• What motivates you to keep going, even after experiencing a setback?
• What does self-care look like for you on a day-to-day basis?
• Describe your ideal self-care day.
• What mindfulness practices have helped you the most?
• How do you balance your recovery with daily responsibilities?
• “Self-care is important because ___.”
• List five activities that help you relax and feel centered.
• What are some new self-care practices you want to try?
• How does taking care of yourself influence your recovery?
• What can you do to ensure you prioritize self-care even during busy or stressful times?
• Describe a mindfulness practice you enjoy and how it benefits your recovery.
• Write about a moment today when you practiced self-compassion.
• How can you make your physical environment more supportive of your self-care?
• Reflect on the impact of stress on your recovery. How can you reduce stress through self-care?
• What hobbies did you enjoy before your addiction, and which would you like to revisit?
• Describe a new hobby you have discovered during your recovery.
• How do your hobbies contribute to your sense of well-being?
• What activities make you lose track of time?
• List five things you can do this week to bring more joy into your life.
• How do hobbies help you connect with others?
• Write about a recent moment of joy. What made it special?
• Describe a joyful memory from your childhood. How can you bring that joy into your life today?
• Write about a passion project you’d like to begin. What excites you about it?
• Reflect on how joy and creativity have impacted your healing process.
• List three goals you want to achieve in your recovery. What steps will you take to reach them?
• Write about a goal you’ve already achieved in your recovery. How did you accomplish it?
• What is a long-term goal you have in your recovery? How can you break it down into smaller steps?
• How do you set realistic goals for yourself?
• Write about a goal you recently achieved and how it made you feel.
• What small steps can you take today toward a big goal?
• How do you keep yourself motivated to pursue your goals?
• How can you reward yourself for achieving milestones in your recovery?
• What goals do you have for your mental, physical, and emotional well-being?
• Reflect on how your goals have changed since you started your recovery journey.
• What does success in recovery look like to you?
• List the qualities you value most in your relationships now.
• Write about a relationship that has positively influenced your recovery.
• How can you set healthy boundaries in your relationships to protect your recovery?
• How can you communicate your needs more effectively in your relationships?
• What have you learned about relationships through your recovery process?
• “A healthy relationship should make me feel…”
• Reflect on a past relationship that was unhealthy. What did you learn from it?
• What steps can you take to rebuild trust in your relationships?
• Reflect on a time when you felt truly supported by someone. What did they do to help you?
• How can you build new, healthy relationships that align with your recovery goals?
• What are three major milestones you’ve reached in your recovery?
• What part of your growth are you most proud of?
• How has your life improved since you began recovery?
• List ten positive changes you’ve noticed in yourself.
• How do you share your story to inspire others?
• How can you celebrate your progress without the need for external validation?
• Write a letter of gratitude to yourself for the progress you’ve made.
• What has been the most surprising aspect of your growth in recovery?
• Reflect on how your definition of success has changed since you began your recovery.
• How can you continue to grow and challenge yourself in your recovery?

Recovery is a journey that takes time, patience, and support. You’ve already taken the brave step of choosing to change your life, and that’s something to be proud of. Each day in recovery brings new challenges, but also new opportunities for growth and healing.

Remember, you don’t have to do this alone. Lean on the support of professionals, loved ones, and even yourself. Journaling can be a helpful tool in this process, allowing you to reflect, understand your feelings, and stay focused on your goals.

You have the strength within you to move forward, one step at a time. Keep believing in yourself and the progress you’re making. Your journey to recovery is worth it.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

As you found this post useful...

Share it on social media!

We are sorry that this post was not useful for you!

Let us improve this post!

Tell us how we can improve this post?

Clariza Carizal, RPm

Clariza is a passionate writer and editor who firmly believes that words have great power. She has a degree in BS Psychology, which gives her an in-depth understanding of the complexities of human behavior. As a woman of science and art, she fused her love for both fields in crafting insightful articles on lifestyle, mental health, and social justice to inspire others and advocate for change.

In her leisure time, you can find her sitting in the corner of her favorite coffee shop downtown, deeply immersed in her bubble of thoughts. Being an art enthusiast that she is, she finds bliss in exploring the rich world of fiction writing and diverse art forms.

(855) 945-7788

31 Addiction Recovery Journal Prompts to use During your Healing Process

Addiction recovery happens at a different pace for everyone. You’re working through major life changes, and there’s no exact timetable for full rehabilitation. During this process, honesty – both with yourself and with the friends and family members journeying with you – is crucial.

Especially when you’re dealing with challenging emotions that might be difficult to convey to those closest to you, a recovery journal can be your best friend. You can write at your own pace and frequency, without worrying about perfect spelling or complete sentences.

Why should I journal during the addiction recovery process?

Whenever you sit down with your addiction recovery journal, the overarching goal is complete honesty. Since you’re not dialoguing with anyone else, you can be entirely honest with yourself about how the addiction recovery process is affecting you, where you might be excelling or falling short, and how you’re coping with difficult choices and emotions you might be feeling.

There are 3 main reasons why we recommend journaling during the addiction recovery process:

• Express difficult feelings. During the addiction recovery process, you’ll be battling with some difficult emotions. Sobriety is challenging, and relapse is real. This is where your addiction recovery journal can serve as an invaluable resource, allowing you an outlet to get any feeling or frustrations off your chest and onto paper. You’ll find that journaling during this period of time is a stress-relieving process that you’ll likely look forward to as your recovery progresses.
• Celebrate daily progress. The addiction recovery process takes time. It’s easy to get frustrated at the pace, especially when it feels like you’re not making any progress. When those moments happen, it’s a great idea to flip back in your addiction recovery journal to earlier weeks and prompts. As long as you’re honest with yourself in your journal, you’ll be able to track and celebrate progress from day to day and week to week.
• Maintain personal accountability. Personal accountability is huge during the addiction recovery process, specifically during early stages. Not only is the addiction recovery journal a great place to record feelings; it’s also a habit in itself. Once you integrate journaling as a staple of your day, you’ve developed a positive habit in place of a negative one. Accountability to your calendar and your emotions will go a long way toward reaching and maintaining freedom, and your journal is a major step toward making that happen.

There’s one important note we need to make before we outline our addiction journal prompts: there is no right or wrong way to journal. Change the color of your pen or pencil, write in full or half-sentences, skip pages, draw pictures and write sideways. As long as you’re honest with yourself, you shouldn’t let any other rules define what you write and how.

31 amazing addiction recovery journal prompts you can use right now

We always make time for the things we care about. That’s why it always helps to set aside time in your day specifically for journaling, even if it’s only 10 or 15 minutes. When you feel your creativity kick in, grab your addiction recovery journal and use one or more of our journal prompts to get started on an entry!

• What does unconditional love look like for you? Have you ever felt it?
• Dear past me…
• Dear present me…
• Dear future me…
• Write a letter to the 1 of the 5 people you love the most, even if you don’t deliver it.
• What would I be doing right now if I wasn’t in recovery?
• What have I learned about myself during the recovery process?
• Write a goodbye letter to something in your life you want to eliminate during your recovery process.
• What are the things in your life that make you smile?
• What are you grateful for in your own life? For the next 10 minutes, write down as many as you can.
• When were you the most confident? How did it feel? What made you feel that way?
• Write a chapter you would love to read in your own autobiography.
• Write down as many details as you can about one memory you’ll never forget.
• What does the word “freedom” mean to you?
• How have you seen yourself progress in the past week?
• List 5 things you couldn’t live without, and explain why.
• Identify something kind you’ve done for someone recently. How can you show the same love to yourself?
• Talk about your first love – it could be a person, a place, a pet, an experience.
• Describe yourself in 5 words. Then, describe yourself in 10 words. Then, describe yourself in 100 words.
• Draft a list of everything in your life you’d like to say “No” to.
• Draft a list of everything in your life you’d like to say “Yes” to.
• Write down the words you most want to hear someone say to you right now.
• Identify the last mistake you made, that you feel ashamed about. What did you learn?
• What is something you’re tired of? Why?
• How are you doing, right now? Don’t hold back.
• Write down 3 things you do better than most people.
• After recovery, what’s one skill you’d love to learn?
• Write down 4 questions you want answers to. How will you get those answers?
• When you meet new people, what do you want them to know about you?
• What do you want to accomplish tomorrow?
• Do you like who you are when no one is watching? How can you change that?

Get to know you better

Addiction recovery journaling is a great way to get to know the new you, as you transition from addiction through recovery to total freedom. Spend even 10-15 minutes per day writing, to better connect with any emotions you’re feeling, gauge where you stand in your recovery process, and even have a little creative writing fun along the way! If you can find the discipline to sit down and write, progress toward a full recovery will find you.

Would you like to share this article? Simply choose a platform:

Hear from our clients.

Silver Ridge is a kind, safe and nurturing place to come for recovery – no judgement, just true compassion.  The accommodations are excellent and the food is delicious and well balanced.  Safety for clients is a priority here – especially during COVID.  The therapists are all excellent, very professional, knowledgeable.  The techs are helpful and friendly.

Silver Ridge changed my life. It gave me hope when I had none. The facility, staff, & counselors made me feel like the most important person in the world. I learned effective practices that will make my recovery journey a lifetime goal.

The time flew by. I met friends for Life. It was comfortable. Gained a lot of knowledge. Learned some interesting things about myself. Y’all are Family!

Silver Ridge was a place to reflect, gain emotional, spiritual and physical strength. It will be with me the rest of my days.

Amazing Place!! I feel blessed that I was referred to this facility!! Life-changing.

My experience has been great. I was able to gain a lot of knowledge and concentrate on my recovery. I am also very grateful for the accommodations, I am very thankful for Silver Ridge.

Why Choose Silver Ridge?

Individualized Treatment for Midlife Adults

We understand the challenges of this stage of life, and our program is specifically built to serve the mid-life adult in a meaningful and individualized way.

Comprehensive Approach

Our holistic approach supports your physical, mental, and spiritual health through a range of evidence-based treatment modalities.

Experienced Staff

Our staff are highly trained with dual mental health and substance use licensing. Our medical staff includes an ASAM certified addiction psychiatrist & an addiction-trained primary care physician.

Five-Star Amenities

From gourmet cuisine to our spacious, 10,000 square foot estate, Silver Ridge provides a tranquil and peaceful setting for recovery.

Google ad ext 828-374-0682

183 Old Turnpike Road, Mills River, NC 28759

Phone: (855) 945-7788    Fax: (828) 891-8885

• About Anabranch
• Mission & Values
• Residential Treatment
• In-Person Intensive Outpatient Program
• Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
• Treatment During Pregnancy
• Tactical Recovery
• Alumni Program

Fifteen Journaling Prompts to Use in Addiction Recovery

Journaling is a powerful tool in drug and alcohol addiction recovery. It allows you to explore your emotions, thoughts, perspectives, and situations in privacy and without judgment. Writing out your thoughts can help you make sense of them and give you perspective. In these ways and more, journaling can help you heal from addiction.

What is a Journaling Prompt?

Journaling prompts are ideas to help you focus on what you want to write about. Some can help you clarify your thoughts or spark your imagination, while others can provide a specific topic or theme to reflect on. Journaling prompts can be questions, words, or first lines. They can be quotations, sentences, or pictures.

Addiction Recovery Journal Prompts

Some days you may sit down with your journal and find that thoughts come easily. You know what you want to write. On other days, you may sit and stare at the blank page and not know where to begin. Below are some journaling prompts for those days you need a little help getting started.

1. Think about all the people who helped you on your journey to sobriety. Write a speech thanking them. Remember to include yourself in the thank-yous.

2. What is one skill you would like to learn in the future? When people are struggling with a substance use disorder they generally only live in the moment. Look forward to the future and the things you would like to learn.

3. Imagine yourself in the future talking to your children or grandchildren about drug and alcohol addiction. What would you say to them? Would you explain your experiences to them? How would you explain your experiences to a teenager or child?

4. Can you remember when you first felt like you were addicted to drugs or alcohol? Do you remember how you felt?

5. Describe the happiest moment in your life. Explain why it made you feel that way.

6. Are there self-defeating thoughts in your self-talk? Write down three of them and the ways you can reframe those thoughts to encourage yourself.

7. Think about four people whom you have trouble getting along with or who irritate you. What is it that irritates you the most about them? Then make a list of at least three positive qualities about each person.

8. What might your life be like today if you were not in recovery? What would have happened to you if you had not gotten the help you needed to become sober? Think about the negative consequences and risks you were willing to take when you were in active addiction .

9. Take ten minutes and write down as many things you are grateful for in your life. It could include people, pets, your job, objects, places, and anything else you want. Pick one or two items from the list and explain why you feel that way.

10. What would you want a new person you meet to know about you? Think about how much of your recovery journey you want to share with them. How long would you need to know someone before you tell them what you have been through? Would it depend on the person and the situation? Remember, you are not defined by your addiction. Your story is yours to tell or not tell.

11. What is one manageable goal you want to accomplish in the next six months, the next year, or the next five years? Why is that goal important to you?

12. Write a letter to your past self, your present self, or your future self.

13. You have been granted three wishes. They will definitely come true. What would you wish for? Why?

14. If you were given an all-expenses-paid month-long vacation , where would you go? Describe what your vacation would be like.

15. Think about the things that cause you to feel stress in your life. Write down the top five or ten stress factors. For each one, write down what you can do to reduce the stress or change it.

More Journaling Prompts

• You can find more recovery journaling prompts in this article from one of our sister facilities.
• Writing for Recovery – Writing Exercises and Ideas includes journaling prompts and tips, including quotations to use as journaling prompts.
• If you are looking for prompts for your gratitude journal , try 50 Daily Gratitude Journal Prompts .

Be Honest with Yourself

When you are writing in a recovery journal , spelling and grammar are not important. Neither is writing in complete sentences. Do not edit yourself. The goal of a recovery journal is to express your feelings and thoughts with complete honesty.

Do You Need Help?

If you or a loved one struggles with addiction to alcohol or drugs, finding the right help is critical. At Anabranch Recovery Center located in Terre Haute, Indiana, our staff of highly skilled, caring professionals will help you find the path to recovery. Take the first step and call us today.

Considering residential addiction treatment near Terre Haute? For more information about Anabranch Recovery Center, and the services we offer, please call and speak with someone today at (888) 302-8095 .

About the Author:

Terry Hurley is a retired educational professional and freelance writer with more than fifty years of experience. A former reading specialist and learning center director, Terry loved her years working with children in the educational field. She has written extensively for print and online publications specializing in education and health issues. For the last six years, her writing focus has been on addiction and mental health issues.

See more articles by Terry. 

Terry Hurley

Get help now   (888) 909-2415  .

• Detox Program
• In-Person Intensive Outpatient
• Virtual Intensive Outpatient
• Tactical Recovery Program
• Drug Addiction
• Alcohol Addiction
• Opioid Addiction Treatment

Recent Posts

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

Drug, Alcohol and Mental Health Treatment

Call for Immediate Help (833) 596-3502

March 22, 2021 By Kristina Robb-Dover

20 Journaling Prompts That Support Recovery

Journaling has a soothing impact that can help individuals gather their thoughts. You always feel better after journaling, but similar to working out, the most challenging part can be getting started. Recovery journaling is very important to the healing process, so the next time you feel stuck and don’t know what to write, turn to these 20 recovery journal prompts.

1. Reflect on the progress you’ve made so far.

Whether your recovery journey has been a few weeks or a year, it’s important to take the time to acknowledge the progress you’ve made. Describe all the effort you’ve put into your recovery journey so far and give yourself the credit you deserve.

2. Identify 10 things you’ve learned about yourself in your recovery journey so far.

There’s no doubt your recovery has shown you you’re a lot stronger than you ever realized you could be. Now, take the time to identify what else you’re learned about yourself during the recovery process. Aim to identify at least 10 things.

3. What do you feel about your recovery today?

Recovery is a process, and your feelings towards recovery can likely shift all the time. Reflect on how you’re feeling about your recovery today, in this moment.

4. What scares you the most in recovery?

When you allow fear to go unaddressed, it can grab hold of your life. Challenge your fear straight on and ask yourself what scares you about your recovery journey.

5. Explain what recovery means to you.

Recovery looks and feels different for everyone — and that’s okay. Try to identify and dissect exactly what recovery means to you.

6. Write a letter to your future self.

You know your recovery is a process that will get a little easier every day. Write a letter to your future self — whether that’s one year, five years or 10 years from now — and tell them how much you’re looking forward to getting there.

7. Write a goodbye letter to something in your life you want to lose during the recovery process.

Addiction recovery journal prompts should acknowledge both the good and bad parts of recovery. One of those good parts is letting go of harmful aspects of your life.

8. I couldn’t imagine living without …

You can take the time to list all the things in your life you couldn’t imagine being without and are grateful for. This can include people, things, your job or whatever else comes to mind. This recovery journal prompt will likely put you in a high-spirited mood.

9. After recovery, what’s one skill you’d like to learn?

A big part of recovery journaling is looking toward the future.  People struggling with addiction  often only live in the moment. Start learning to look forward to what’s in store for you next and making plans for your future.

10. If my body could talk, it would say….

Addiction is exhausting for both the body and the mind. It’s important to remember how strong your body is, how much it’s been through and how it will continue to be healthy.

11. Write a letter to your addiction.

If you could talk to your addiction, what would you say? Think about this and get all your thoughts out. It can feel very calming to get these feelings off your chest.

12. If you weren’t in recovery, what would life be like today?

Recovery can be challenging and requires constant effort. That’s why it’s so important to look back and see how far you’ve come. Take a moment to think about what kind of day you’d be having if you weren’t in recovery.

13. When you meet new people, what do you want them to know about you?

Your recovery is a lifelong journey, but your addiction doesn’t have to define you. Ask yourself how much you want to share with new people or how long you have to know a person before deciding to open up about what you’ve been through. This can help you better prepare for this situation when it arises in the future.

14. Which relationships matter the most to you, and what can you do to prioritize them?

It’s very likely your recovery journaling has helped you identify the things — and people — in your life that matter most. Take a minute to think about those people, what they’ve done for you and what you can do for them.

15. Describe your happiest moment.

Many recovery journal ideas can be heavy, so sometimes it’s nice to include prompts that are light and happy. Take a break and write about your happiest moment in life and why it made you feel that way.

16. Reflect on the last mistake you made and what you learned from it.

Nobody’s perfect , and we all make mistakes. However, it’s essential to take the time to try to learn from our mistakes so we don’t repeat them again.

17. Write about why you think you were an addict.

Having struggled with addiction doesn’t define you . Still, take the time to think about what led you down that path so you can confront what made you seek substances to escape reality. This is a heavy prompt, so make sure you’re ready before you write about this.

18. What are my short-term goals?

It’s important to have short-term goals so we can see the immediate benefits of our efforts. So much of recovery is about the long term, so remember to address the short-term wins too.

19. What are my long-term goals?

Our long-term goals help us keep an eye on the bigger picture. It helps make all the small efforts and challenges of today more manageable when you think about what you’re working towards.

20. What makes me smile?

Take the time to write down everything that makes you smile. We have a feeling that by the time you’re done writing the list, there’ll be a huge grin on your face!

Recovery journaling is one of the many steps to a successful recovery.  Journaling has many mental health benefits,  including reducing stress, depression and anxiety. For addiction and recovery, this process helps individuals recognize and celebrate their progress, look forward to their future, find an outlet to express complicated feelings and maintain personal accountability. Journaling isn’t a science and can look different for everyone. Find the right time of the day when it works best for you to journal and incorporate the practice into your daily routine. You may find big triggers or revelations that come out of your journaling —  discuss these feelings with your therapist.

Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to journal. And everyone needs a little help once in a while, so it’s good to have these recovery journaling prompts in your back pocket!

If you need an addiction recovery program, FHE Health can help. We offer a variety of programs that assist individuals in getting the help they need in their recovery journey. Contact us today by calling (833) 596-3502. Our compassionate team of counselors is ready to help you.

About Kristina Robb-Dover

Kristina Robb-Dover is a content manager and writer with extensive editing and writing experience... read more

© 2024 FHE Health

• Careers at FHE Health
• Privacy Policy

The FHE Health team is committed to providing accurate information that adheres to the highest standards of writing. If one of our articles is marked with a ‘reviewed for accuracy and expertise’ badge, it indicates that one or more members of our team of doctors and clinicians have reviewed the article further to ensure accuracy. This is part of our ongoing commitment to ensure FHE Health is trusted as a leader in mental health and addiction care.

If there are any concerns about content we have published, please reach out to us at [email protected] .

833-596-3502

Best 100 Addiction Journal Prompts

This post contains some of the best addiction journal prompts.

What Are Journal Prompts?

Addiction journal prompts, why use addiction journal prompts, how to use addiction journal prompts.

Journaling prompts are questions or statements designed to inspire and guide you in your journal writing.

They can include a variety of topics, such as goal-setting, self-reflection, daily reflections, and creative writing exercises.

Journaling prompts can help you to explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences, and can also serve as a tool for personal growth and development.

Related: How To Achieve Emotional Sobriety? (+FREE Emotional Sobriety Worksheets)

1. When did you first notice your addictive behavior?

2. What initially attracted you to the substance or behavior you’re addicted to?

3. How has addiction affected your relationships with family and friends?

4. Describe a specific event or situation where your addiction caused harm.

5. List three reasons why you want to overcome your addiction.

6. How has addiction impacted your physical health?

7. Explore any underlying emotions that contribute to your addictive behavior.

8. Write about a time when you felt in control and not consumed by addiction.

9. What are some triggers or high-risk situations for your addiction?

Related:  What Is Emotional Sobriety and How to Achieve It? (+FREE Worksheets)

10. Describe a healthy coping mechanism you can substitute for your addictive behavior.

11. How does addiction affect your self-esteem and self-worth?

12. Write about the negative consequences you’ve faced due to your addiction.

13. Explore any co-occurring mental health issues that may be related to your addiction.

14. Reflect on any past attempts to quit or reduce your addictive behavior.

15. Write a letter to your future self, envisioning a life free from addiction.

16. Explore any childhood or past trauma that might have contributed to your addiction.

17. How has addiction affected your work or academic performance?

Related: How to Break the Addiction Cycle? [Definitive Guide]

18. Describe the support system you currently have or need in your recovery journey.

19. What are some strategies you can employ to manage cravings or urges?

20. Write about any fears or doubts you have regarding quitting your addiction.

21. How has addiction influenced your financial stability?

22. Reflect on the impact of addiction on your overall happiness and fulfillment in life.

23. Write a list of positive affirmations to reinforce your commitment to recovery.

24. Explore any patterns or cycles in your addictive behavior.

25. Describe a hobby or activity that brings you joy and can serve as a healthy distraction.

26. Write about a role model or person who has successfully overcome addiction.

27. How does your addiction affect your ability to prioritize or set goals?

28. Reflect on any spiritual or existential questions that arise from your addiction.

Related: 4 Stages of Addiction (+FREE Worksheets)

29. Write a gratitude list featuring things you appreciate beyond your addiction.

30. Explore any guilt or shame associated with your addictive behavior.

31. What are some potential long-term consequences of continued addiction?

32. Describe a situation where you successfully resisted temptation and chose sobriety.

33. Reflect on the impact of addiction on your sense of freedom and autonomy.

34. Write about a book or resource that has inspired you in your recovery journey.

35. What are some healthy habits or routines you can incorporate into your life?

36. Explore any distorted thinking patterns or beliefs that enable your addiction.

37. Describe a strategy to hold yourself accountable in your recovery process.

38. How does addiction affect your ability to connect with others emotionally?

39. Reflect on the importance of self-care in maintaining sobriety.

Related: How to Enjoy Being Sober? (+FREE Worksheets)

40. Write a letter to someone you’ve harmed due to your addiction, expressing remorse.

41. What are some potential triggers for relapse, and how can you mitigate them?

42. Describe a visualization exercise where you imagine your life without addiction.

43. Explore any social or environmental factors that contribute to your addiction.

44. Write about a sober milestone you hope to achieve in the future.

45. Reflect on any previous successes in managing addictive behavior.

46. How has addiction shaped your identity and self-image?

47. Describe a healthy support group or community that you can join.

48. Write about a person or memory from your past that still triggers your addiction.

49. What are some alternative ways to cope with stress or difficult emotions?

50. Explore any perceived benefits or rewards you associate with your addiction.

Related: How Long Does Sobriety Fatigue Last?

51. How does addiction affect your ability to make rational decisions?

52. Reflect on any occasions where you used your addiction to escape reality.

53. Write about a new hobby or skill you’d like to explore as part of your recovery.

54. Describe a fear or concern you have about seeking professional help for your addiction.

55. Explore any unmet needs or voids that you believe your addiction fills.

56. What are some potential roadblocks or challenges you anticipate in your recovery?

57. Write a letter to your addiction, expressing your desire to break free.

58. Reflect on any conflicts or strained relationships caused by your addictive behavior.

59. How does addiction impact your ability to manage your time effectively?

60. Describe a role or purpose that you believe will guide your recovery journey.

Related: What Is Emotional Addiction & How to Overcome It

61. What are some alternative coping mechanisms you can experiment with?

62. Explore any cultural or societal influences that perpetuate addiction.

63. Write about a time when you felt judged or stigmatized due to your addiction.

64. Reflect on the impact of addiction on your spirituality or religious beliefs.

65. Describe a healthy social activity or hobby that can help you build a sober support network.

66. Explore any feelings of powerlessness or lack of control that arise from your addiction.

67. What are some potential benefits and rewards of maintaining sobriety in the long term?

68. Write about a small step you can take today towards breaking free from your addictive behavior.

69. How has addiction affected your ability to trust yourself and others?

Related: How to Avoid Addiction? Top 9 Things You Can Do

70. Reflect on any coping mechanisms or tools you’ve used in the past to manage cravings or urges.

71. Describe a specific situation where your addiction interfered with your ability to fulfill responsibilities.

72. What are some potential triggers for using your substance or engaging in addictive behaviors?

73. Write about a person or memory that reminds you of why you want to overcome your addiction.

74. Explore any underlying feelings of shame or unworthiness that contribute to your addictive behavior.

75. How does addiction impact your ability to prioritize self-care and self-compassion?

76. Reflect on any previous attempts or strategies that have helped you resist relapse.

77. Describe a fear or challenge you anticipate in your journey towards recovery.

78. Write about a healthy coping mechanism you can engage in when faced with stress or emotional pain.

79. What are some aspects of your life that will improve once you break free from addiction?

Related: How Childhood Trauma Leads to Addiction: Top 9 Causes

80. Explore any negative self-talk or limiting beliefs that hinder your recovery.

81. Reflect on the role of self-compassion in overcoming addiction and building resilience.

82. Explore any underlying traumas or unresolved emotional issues that may contribute to your addictive behavior. 83. Write about a positive support system or individuals who can help you on your journey towards recovery.

84. Describe a relapse prevention plan or strategies you can implement to minimize the risk of falling back into addiction.

85. Reflect on the potential impact of addiction on your physical health and well-being.

86. Explore any feelings of guilt or regret that arise from the consequences of your addictive behavior.

Related: What Is a Functioning Addict? (+FREE Worksheets)

87. Write about a time when you successfully resisted temptation or cravings and overcame a challenging situation related to addiction.

88. Describe a fulfilling and meaningful life you envision for yourself beyond addiction.

89. Reflect on the importance of setting realistic goals and celebrating small victories in your recovery process.

90. Explore any patterns of negative thinking or distorted beliefs that contribute to your addictive behavior.

91. Think about the potential benefits of engaging in activities that bring you joy, such as hobbies, creative outlets, or physical exercise, as a way to distract yourself from addictive urges and improve your overall well-being.

92. Identify any triggers or situations that frequently lead to relapse and brainstorm strategies to avoid or cope with them effectively.

93. Reflect on the impact of addiction on your relationships and consider seeking therapy or counseling to address any relationship difficulties or repair damaged connections.

94. Consider joining a support group or attending therapy sessions specifically tailored to individuals recovering from addiction, as peer support can be tremendously helpful in maintaining sobriety.

95. Reflect on the role of self-care in your recovery journey and identify specific self-care practices that help you relax, recharge, and stay focused on your goals.

96. Explore the possibility of practicing mindfulness or meditation as a way to increase self-awareness, manage stress, and gain a deeper understanding of your addiction triggers.

97. Investigate different types of evidence-based therapy approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), or motivational interviewing, that have proven effective in treating addiction.

98. Reflect on the potential negative impact of substance use on your mental health and consider seeking dual diagnosis treatment if you suspect a co-occurring disorder.

99. Focus on building a healthy routine with regular sleep patterns, nutritious meals, and exercise, as these factors can significantly contribute to your overall well-being and recovery.

100. Celebrate milestones along your recovery journey, whether it’s days of sobriety, personal achievements, or positive changes in your life, to reinforce your progress and maintain motivation.

Related: 5 Stages of Addiction Recovery (+FREE Worksheets)

Addiction journal prompts can be a helpful tool for individuals who are struggling with addiction or in recovery. Here are some reasons why:

1. Self-reflection: Journal prompts can help individuals reflect on their thoughts and feelings related to addiction. This can help them understand triggers, patterns of behavior, and emotions associated with their addiction.

2. Goal setting: Writing down goals and aspirations related to recovery can help individuals stay motivated and focused on their path towards sobriety.

3. Accountability: Journaling can be a way to hold oneself accountable for actions and decisions related to addiction. By writing down thoughts and feelings, individuals can become more aware of their behaviors and make conscious choices to avoid negative habits.

4. Emotional regulation: Addiction journal prompts can help individuals identify and regulate their emotions. This can be especially useful in managing stress, anxiety, or depression, which are common triggers for addiction.

Overall, addiction journal prompts can be a helpful tool for self-exploration, self-improvement, and recovery from addiction.

Related: Am I Addicted To My Phone Quiz (+Digital Detox Challenge)

Here are some steps on how to use addiction journal prompts effectively:

1. Choose a prompt that resonates with you. There are many addiction journal prompts available online or in books. Choose one that speaks to you and meets your needs.

2. Set aside some time for reflection. Carve out some time each day to reflect on the prompt and write down your thoughts and feelings. You could set a specific time each day or schedule it according to your own preferences.

3. Write freely. Don’t worry about grammar or spelling errors, just write whatever comes to mind. The idea is to let your thoughts flow and to not censor yourself.

4. Be honest and open. Addiction can be a challenging topic to explore, but it’s important to be honest and open with yourself. This is a safe space for you to express your thoughts and feelings, so don’t hold back.

5. Reflect on what you’ve written. After you’ve finished writing, reflect on what you’ve written. Think about any insights you gained, any patterns you noticed, and how you can apply what you’ve learned to help you on your recovery journey.

Addiction journal prompts are a great way to explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences related to addiction.

By dedicating time for self-reflection and being honest with yourself, you can gain a deeper understanding of your addiction and take steps towards healing and recovery.

Hadiah is a counselor who is passionate about supporting individuals on their journey towards mental well-being. Hadiah not only writes insightful articles on various mental health topics but also creates engaging and practical mental health worksheets.

Related Posts

Addiction To Self Harm: Top 5 Steps To Overcome It

Top 5 Tips On How To Recover From Love Addiction

44 Recovery Journal Prompts to Help You Heal and Grow

By: Author Brilliantio Team

Posted on Published: September 30, 2022  - Last updated: October 1, 2022

Categories Inspiration , Self Improvement

A recovery journal may be the perfect solution if you’re looking for a way to help yourself heal and grow. This blog post will provide 44 recovery journal prompts to help you on your journey of self-discovery. Journaling is a great way to work through your thoughts and feelings and can be especially helpful in recovery. These prompts will give you a starting point for your journaling practice, but feel free to come up with your own.

44 Addiction Recovery Journal Prompts

• What am I grateful for today?
• What was the best thing that happened today?
• What are three positive feelings I felt today?
• What are five positive things in my life?
• What can I do for myself to lift my spirits?
• How can I be more loving to myself today?
• How could I’ve approached this situation differently this morning?
• Am I achieving my daily goals? If not, how can I do better tomorrow?
• What problem in my life seems unsolvable – and how can I tackle it today?
• How can I shift the focus from me to someone else?
• What’s something new I learned about myself today?
• What’s my earliest memory of addiction and/or substance use?
• Section: How old was I when I first used alcohol or drugs?
• Who did I use them with?
• When did I first feel ashamed or guilty about my alcohol/drug use?
• What did my life look like before addiction/use became a problem?
• How does it feel to no longer have control over my own body?
• How long could I go without addiction or drug use before the urge to use set in?
• When did the craving for alcohol or drugs start again after I used them? On the third day, at the end of the week?
• How do I feel about myself when I drink and/or use drugs?
• Can I remember when I first felt addicted to a substance?
• Who’s my higher power as I understand him or her?
• In what ways have I tried to change my behavior?
• Write about a life without your addiction.
• Describe what you like about yourself.
• What’re the most important events in my life that have made me who I’m today? Why are they important to me?
• What’re positive affirmations that help me feel strong?
• Write about a time when someone was there for me or was there when I needed them most. How did it feel to know someone was there for you?
• What does my ideal day look like?
• Create a list of 10 things that helped me survive the past year.
• What’s an irrational fear I’ve, and how do I keep it under control?
• List the most difficult moments of your addiction and how you overcame them.
• What’ve I learned about myself since being in substance abuse treatment?
• What would it be if I could make peace with one event from my past?
• What new hobbies or special interests have I discovered since being in your addiction recovery journey?
• What’s one goal I’d like to accomplish in the next year?
• What relationships are most important to me, and what can I do to prioritize them?
• What conversations do I need to have with whom to feel freer and truly sober?
• How can I better support and appreciate my loved ones?
• How would I describe myself to someone who’s never met me?
• How did you deal with stress and worry when you were younger?
• If I were asked to give a motivational speech to people struggling with addiction, what advice would I give them?
• How would I explain addiction to someone who’d never experienced it?
• If I’d to narrow down my biggest trigger to one word, what would it be and why?

How Recovery Journaling Helps

Recovery journaling can be helpful because it allows you to reflect on your experience and express yourself in writing. This way, you can gain insight into what happened and how it affected you. Recovery diaries are usually very personal and can include reflections on your past and present and hopes for the future.

• Journal writing can help those recovering from trauma or addiction by helping them deal with their feelings and negative emotions positively, rather than suppressing them until they get out of control, as they may have done before the addiction recovery process began.
• By writing things down, we can express ourselves without having to say them out loud or tell others what we’re thinking. This helps us feel like we’ve control over our lives again, which can be very important after a traumatic event.
• It can help you understand how certain situations affect you emotionally, physically, and mentally. It can also help you identify triggers that exacerbate negative feelings and emotions or even cause you to relapse. After you write down these problems in your addiction recovery journal, you can try to find solutions to prevent them from happening again, or at least make them less bad if they do happen again.

However, I recommend consulting a therapist in addition to journaling for traumas and addictions. Journal writing can help, but for most people, it’s not the main solution to getting rid of their addiction.

Track Progress

When we write down our feelings and experiences in a diary, we also have the opportunity to see how far we’ve come since the last entry. We can see how much we’ve grown over time, and it helps us keep track of our goals.

Although there are many benefits to keeping a journal, it can be difficult for some people to maintain their long-term recovery goals. Some don’t have enough time to write down everything they want, while others have trouble mustering the motivation to do so.

If you’re having trouble finding time to keep your recovery journal, here are a few tips that can help:

Take time each day to write a journal entry . You can do this right after you wake up or go to bed. Choose a schedule that works best for you, and stick to it!

10 Types of Consciousness Journal

Recovery journaling helps you let go of the past and embrace the future.

There are thousands of ways to do it, but here are 10 types of recovery journaling you can try.

• Gratitude Journal . This is the most popular way to journal in recovery. In your gratitude journal, write down three things you’re grateful for each day, and look at them on bad days when you feel like giving up. They’ll remind you that there’s always something to be grateful for, even if it’s just being alive another day.
• Write letters. Write a letter thanking someone who’s helped you in your long-term recovery process-whether it’s a friend, a therapist, or a sponsor-and tell him or her how much he or she means to you and how much his or her kindness has changed your life for the better (even if he or she doesn’t know it). Keep this letter in a safe place where you can read it repeatedly on your journey to long-term sobriety.
• Mindfulness Exercises. Mindfulness has been shown to improve mental health, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve sleep quality and the ability to regulate mood. You can practice mindfulness by sitting quietly for five minutes each day and focusing on breathing or doing yoga exercises (without talking).
• Recovery quotes. Find motivational quotes from recovery books and other sources and post them in a visible place in your home – such as on the refrigerator or bathroom mirror – so that every time you walk by them, they remind you of what’s important in life: staying sober and healthy, no matter what obstacles come your way!
• Recovery Mantras. Make a list of positive mantras that mean something to you and post them prominently in your home – on the refrigerator or bathroom mirror, for example – so they remind you every time you walk by what’s important in life: staying sober and healthy, no matter what obstacles get in your way!
• Journal about past trauma/abuse. If there’s any situation in your past that still causes you pain today, write down everything that happened in as much detail as possible. Write down every feeling that comes up, even if it’s anger, sadness, fear – whatever it takes until it doesn’t hurt anymore because there’s nothing left.
• Write a journal about current stressors and how they affect your life. If there are current situations that are causing you stress, write them all down in detail and then look at how they’re connected and how they affect your life overall, including physical and mental health (e.g., depression)
• Write about future dreams/goals/projects and how they affect your life now (positively or negatively). What things have you always wanted to do but haven’t done yet? Write them all down and then take a bird’s eye view of them – not just from the perspective of when you want to do it and what obstacles might get in the way of achieving each goal, but also look at how each goal impacts your life. What impact will it have on your mental health ? Your physical health? Your relationships? Your finances? Your self-esteem? Your family? Your friends?
• Think about your past accomplishments. I do this often, and it’s easy to forget what we’ve done in the past because it’s so often overshadowed by what we’re doing now. When you feel down about today’s problems, take a moment to think of all the things you’ve accomplished in life so far. These can be big accomplishments, like graduating from college or getting your first job, or smaller ones, like cooking a meal for someone else or volunteering at an event. Whatever it’s, write it down and keep it in mind!
• Write about your relationships with other people, including ex-boyfriends, family members, and friends. Try to write down what makes each relationship special so that when times get tough or things change between you; you can refer back to this list to reassure yourself that one day everything will be okay again (or at least better than it’s now).

Expressive Writing Can Be a Long Process

Before you start keeping a recovery journal, you must ensure you’ve all the important items ready for your recovery journey.

You must ensure you’ve everything you need for this task, especially if you’re doing it for the first time. This will help you focus on the task and not worry about other things. Once you’ve all these tools, you can start putting your thoughts and feelings on paper.

Recovery journaling is lengthy because it takes time to get used to writing down your feelings in detail and getting them out of your head, so they don’t bother you anymore. You’ll also find that you improve with each entry, which means you’ll make fewer mistakes. There are many ways that you can improve your recovery writing skills.

If you’re new to recovery writing, start by writing down how you feel after each session. Don’t worry about spelling or grammar; just let your thoughts flow freely onto the page. As you become more comfortable with this form of expression, you can begin to write more details about the day’s events and their impact on your mood and feelings.

You may find that certain things keep happening in your life – a certain person always makes you anxious, for example – and that these repetitions help you see patterns in your behavior. This insight allows you to make changes so that these situations no longer have so much power over you.

5 Tips for the Addiction Recovery Diary

Keeping a recovery journal is a powerful tool for self-discovery, healing, and growth.

As you recover from your addiction, keeping a recovery journal can help you stay on track and not lose sight of your goals.

Here are some tips on how to get the most out of your recovery journal:

• Start your recovery journal on a new page in your notebook or on a separate sheet of paper. This will make it easier for you to see where each entry begins and ends. It also makes it easy to track how much time has passed between entries.
• Write down everything that comes to mind – don’t worry about grammar or spelling at first; just write down whatever comes to mind. This will help release pent-up negative emotions, making it easier for you to talk about it with someone later (e.g., a counselor).
• Think about what happened during the day that affected your emotional or physical state (e.g., did something good happen at work?). Then write down what might’ve triggered those feelings and what you’ve learned from them so far (even if it’s just, “I’m sad today because there’s too much going on” or “My back hurts because I slept in an awkward position”).

Also, write down any goals and suggestions for improvement that come to mind during this time – these could be things like “I want to exercise more often” or “I should stop eating unhealthy food.”

Look at what you wrote down and see if any patterns or themes emerge that are worth exploring further with a counselor or therapist.

Recovery goals can take a long time to reach; as mentioned earlier in this article, you may need help. There are therapists and active addiction organizations such as Alcoholics Anonymous, American Addiction Centers, Rehab, or other substance abuse and addiction groups that specialize in cognitive behavioral therapy.

Join our Newsletter

Get helpful tips and the latest information

13 Journal Prompts for Recovery

Author: Melissa Boudin, PsyD

Melissa Boudin PsyD

Dr. Melissa, clinical psychologist with 15+ years, specializes in depression, anxiety, trauma, and grief, focused on improving mental health access and resources.

Kristen Fuller MD

Kristen Fuller, MD is a physician with experience in adult, adolescent, and OB/GYN medicine. She has a focus on mood disorders, eating disorders, substance use disorder, and reducing the stigma associated with mental health.

For those dealing with addiction issues, nothing takes the place of treatment and therapy; however, journal prompts for recovery are a useful, therapeutic activity you can do for free. Writing gives you a safe space to process painful thoughts, emotions, and memories. Remember, there is no “right” or “correct” way to journal, but you might consider following available addiction recovery journal prompts to guide your writing process. Be flexible and curious, tailoring your experience to fit your unique needs.

Workit Health - Online Treatment for Opioids or Alcohol, Including Medication.

Modern, personalized recovery that combines medication, a supportive community, and helpful content. Covered by many insurance plans. Currently available in FL, TX, OH, MI, and NJ. Learn more

13 Journal Prompts for Addiction Recovery

Use journal prompts for addiction recovery and relapse prevention journal prompts that resonate with you. Even if you find yourself coming back to the same prompts again and again, that’s OK. You’ll likely discover something new about yourself every time you return to the page. The more in touch you are with yourself, the more capable you are to tackle your addiction .

13 journal prompts for recovery and relapse prevention include:

1. “What conversation do I need to have, and with whom, to feel more free to pursue sobriety?”

This journal prompt for addiction recovery is a great place to start. Think about all of the people you may need to talk to in order to begin pursuing recovery, whether your version of recovery looks like harm reduction or complete sobriety. For example, do you need to speak with a friend, a partner, your parents, or even just a therapist? The answer will be different for everyone. You may even require a conversation with yourself.

2. “If I had to narrow my biggest trigger down to one word, what would it be and why?”

Regardless of what your addiction looks like, whether you struggle with drugs, alcohol, or something else entirely, think about the things that may trigger you into action. Are there certain settings, places, friends, or behaviors that tend to lead directly to your addiction. Once you can identify those things, dig into why you think they might be triggering to you. Picture yourself as a detective looking for clues and connections.

3. “When I look back at my life, what events can I trace back to that directly impacted substance use habits?”

This journal prompt for recovery encourages you to participate in thoughtful reflection. Sometimes, it can be difficult to think about the past, but there is so much fertile ground in our memories for growth. Can you trace back to where your addiction issues may have stemmed from? Can you pinpoint an event, a series of events, or a person as a source. Again, each time you return to this prompt, you may discover something new. Give yourself permission to write without judgment or constraint.

4. “Where do I feel most at peace, and what can I do to bring that sense of peace into my daily life?”

Here is another prompt that requires a level of reflection. Think about the moments when you have felt at peace, calm, connected, and in touch with yourself and the world around you. What were you doing? Where were you? Who were you with? How did you feel? Now, brainstorm the different ways you can intentionally attract and pursue those things.

5. “In 10 years, how do I want the story of my addiction and recovery to be told?”

Now that you have spent some mental time in the past, cast your thoughts toward the future. A decade from now, how do you want to be able to tell the story of your recovery? Picture where you will be and what you will be doing in an ideal world — one where you are free from the pain of addiction. In many ways, this prompt functions as a positive visualization practice.

6. “Where will I be in 5 years if my addiction is still disrupting my life?”

Think again of the future, but this time, imagine that your addiction is still disrupting and damaging your life. What would that look like for you? Lean into the details. Would it prevent you from pursuing goals or dreams? When you imagine this possible future, what emotions do you feel? Try not to put restraints on yourself. For example, if you’re not someone who is comfortable with writing in general, don’t limit yourself with form, style, or grammar. You may even choose to burn or destroy the page without ever reading what you wrote.

Help for Addiction

Ria Health: Effective, Evidence-Based Alcohol Treatment 100% Online Quickly change your relationship to alcohol with our at-home program. On average, Ria Health members reduce their BAC levels by 50% in 3 months in the program. Services are covered by many major health plans. Visit Ria Health

Workit Health – Online Treatment for Opioids or Alcohol, Including Medication . Modern, personalized recovery that combines medication, a supportive community, and helpful content. Covered by many insurance plans. Currently available in FL, TX, OH, MI, and NJ. Visit Workit Health

Best Drug Addiction Rehab Centers – Recovery.com helps you f ind the best local detox or drug rehab center covered by your health insurance. Search by location, condition, insurance, and more. Read reviews. Start your search

7. Identify 10 things you’ve learned about yourself in your recovery journey so far.

Sometimes, the idea of writing in paragraph form can feel overwhelming. If that’s ever the case for you, go towards the prompts that ask you to write a list. This can be less intimidating. In this particular list prompt, write down at least ten things you’ve discovered about yourself during your recovery journey. Really think about it! How have you come to better understand yourself through all of the ups and downs of your addiction?

8. “What scares me the most about recovery?”

Answer this question with as much honesty as you can muster. Like in so many cases, our fears hold more power when they are hidden in the dark vs. when we bring them out into the light. Think of this specific addiction recovery journal prompt as the first step on the very long but worthwhile journey of facing your fears.

9. Write a goodbye letter to something in your life you want to lose during the recovery process.

There are going to be things we have to let go of during the transformational journey toward recovery. These might be concrete things (or people) or more abstract ideas about your identity. Write your goodbye letter to your person, place, thing, etc., allowing yourself to feel all the emotions as they come. If you’re angry, write with anger. If you feel sorrow, write with sorrow. Remind yourself, these prompts are for you and for you alone.

10. “If my body could talk, it would say…”

Sometimes, addiction stems from a desire to escape, whether that be our from minds or even our physical bodies. During this prompt, breathe deeply and try to drop down into your body. Have a conversation with it, as funny as that sounds. What would your body say to you about your addiction, about your recovery, about the past and the future? Channel that conversation through your writing.

11. Make a list of your short term vs. long term goals

As far as journal prompts for addiction recovery go, the simplicity of this one can be attractive. Ask yourself what you want in the short term of your life? What do you want in the long term? Having this kind of list to return to during challenging moments can help you carry on with your recovery. Remind yourself that you have clear plans that don’t involve the harmful substance or behavior. Here they are on the page; look at them! And don’t be afraid to change or add to your goals either.

12. “What am I grateful for or what makes me smile?”

Addiction and recovery can bring up some deep, dark feelings, but there is also power in gratitude and delight. Write about your happiest moments, the things you are most grateful for , or the little things that bring you joy. Sit down and list the first ten things that come to mind when you ask yourself, “What am I grateful for or what makes me smile?”

13. “What does unconditional love look like for me? Have I ever felt it?”

This is another addiction recovery journal prompt that taps into the power of imagination and creativity. Imagine and describe the kind of unconditional love you want in your life. Are you getting it somewhere already? Maybe it’s even from a pet! Write about how that feels. If you haven’t felt the unconditional love you desire, think about what you want it to be like, who you want it from, and even what it might feel like to give it to yourself.

Best Journals for Recovery Writing

You can write on a computer, but many people find the process of handwriting to be therapeutic. While you could journal on loose sheets of paper, having a dedicated notebook or journal to preserve your answers and refer back to them over time to see how far you’ve come in your journey is ideal.

Here are some journals we love for recovery journaling:

Continue Your Addiction Recovery Journey With Therapy

Spending just a few minutes each day writing can help you better understand where you are in your recovery journey. For some people, journal prompts for recovery can be a revolutionary practice. That said, no matter how useful a tool journaling may be, it isn’t a substitute for professional care and therapy. If you’re not quite ready to begin treatment, start by exploring addiction recovery apps , then ease into the available online therapy options or browse an online therapist directory to help you find a therapist that specializes in addiction recovery.

Additional Resources

To help our readers take the next step in their mental health journey, Choosing Therapy has partnered with leaders in mental health and wellness. Choosing Therapy is compensated for marketing by the companies included below.

Online Treatment for Opioids or Alcohol, Including Medication.

Workit Health – Modern, personalized recovery that combines medication, a supportive community, and helpful content. Covered by many insurance plans. Currently available in FL, TX, OH, MI, and NJ. Visit Workit Health

Alcohol Treatment – Cut Back or Quit Entirely

Ria Health – Quickly change your relationship to alcohol with our at-home program. On average, members reduce their BAC levels by 50% in 3 months in the program. Services are covered by many major health plans. Visit Ria Health

Drug Addiction Rehab Centers

Recovery.com – Find the best local detox or drug rehab center covered by your health insurance. Search by location, condition, insurance, and more. Read reviews. Start your search

Telehealth Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder

Bicycle Health – offers therapy, support, and medication for addiction treatment (MAT).  MAT offers the lowest relapse rates for opioid use disorder, helping people to stop using opioids with minimal physical discomfort. Covered by most major insurance. Visit Bicycle Health

Drinking Moderation

Sunnyside – Want to drink less? Sunnyside helps you ease into mindful drinking at your own pace. Think lifestyle change, not a fad diet. Develop new daily routines, so you maintain your new habits for life . Take a 3 Minute Quiz

Best Online Medication-Assisted Treatment Programs

Online medication-assisted treatment programs are fairly new to the telehealth industry, but existing companies are expanding quickly with new programs emerging every day. It’s important to explore your options and understand the level of virtual care available so you can choose the best addiction treatment program for you.

Best Mindful Drinking Apps

If you’re thinking about joining the sober curious movement and you’d like to cut back on drinking, mindful drinking apps are a great place to start. Practicing mindful drinking can take some time, attention, and patience, but with the help of the right app, you can completely transform your relationship with alcohol.

Journal Prompts for Recovery Infographics

A free newsletter for those impacted by addiction. Get helpful tips and the latest information.

Your Voice Matters

Can't find what you're looking for.

Request an article! Tell ChoosingTherapy.com’s editorial team what questions you have about mental health, emotional wellness, relationships, and parenting. The therapists who write for us love answering your questions!

Leave your feedback for our editors.

Share your feedback on this article with our editors. If there’s something we missed or something we could improve on, we’d love to hear it.

Our writers and editors love compliments, too. :)

FOR IMMEDIATE HELP CALL:

Medical Emergency: 911

Suicide Hotline: 988

© 2024 Choosing Therapy, Inc. All rights reserved.

• Jun 30, 2021

20 Addiction Recovery Journal Prompts

Understanding thoughts and emotions during recovery can help counteract an urge or craving when it arises. The feelings of hunger, anger, loneliness or tired ( HALT acronym ) are often common triggers that could lead to relapse, and holding onto them instead of expressing it can often be a hurdle to recovery. One way to express feelings is journaling.

The goal for an addiction recovery journal is complete honesty, writing down how addiction recovery is affecting you, where you might be doing great and where you might be struggling, and how you’re coping with the emotions you’re feeling.

Journaling is a recommended activity because it helps express difficult feelings giving an outlet to put frustrations onto paper. It’s also a place to celebrate progress - writing it down means you can flip back to re-read those prompts when recovery seems frustrating or slow. In addition, a journal helps maintain personal accountability and can give you a sense of privacy if you don’t want to share all your thoughts with a group people in a meeting.

Journal Prompts

Here are 20 addiction recovery journal prompts you can use to get started:

How are you doing, right now? Don’t hold back.

What is something you’re tired of? Why?

Who has been your biggest support in recovery?

Who/what has been your biggest adversary in recovery?

How do I hope to one day use my sobriety to inspire others?

What’s one moment that you will never forget?

Talk about your first love – it could be a person, a place, a pet, an experience.

If you were to write a book about your life story, what would you title the book?

What are you grateful for in your own life?

When were you the most confident? How did it feel? What made you feel that way?

Where do I see myself in 5 years having achieved sobriety?

What are things that when you see them, they automatically bring a smile to your face?

What about those things do you think make you happy? Delve in deep

If you could give your past-self advice, what would you say?

Who has a life you admire, and why?

How do you determine whether someone is trustworthy?

Write about the kindest thing someone has done for you.

How would you explain addiction to someone who has never experienced it before?

What was your outlook on life when you were younger?

What is your outlook on life currently?

Getting Help For Addiction

If you or somebody in your life seems to have an issue with alcohol or drugs, or is suffering from addiction, professional help may be the best option for recovery.

At Care Addiction Center, we offer treatment plans that address every facet of your addiction, serving individuals in Geneva, Batavia, Sycamore, St. Charles, and Kane County, with online addiction treatment available anywhere in Illinois. 

To get started on the road to recovery, or if you have questions about helping yourself or a loved one, call us  today or schedule a confidential assessment  online and begin treatment.

Addiction & Mental Health Treatment in Western Pennsylvania

17 Addiction Journal Prompts that Encourage Recovery & Sobriety

Most popular.

• What You Should Know Before You Begin Planning an Intervention for a Loved One 
• Insurance Coverage Makes Addiction Treatment More Affordable
• Does Acid Negatively Affect Your Sleep?
• What Do Hallucinations and Hallucinogens Do To The Brain?
• Should I Be Concerned About Soma’s Abuse Potential?

There has been a vast movement toward mindfulness in our current culture, especially with the onset of a pandemic. People around the world are looking for accessible ways to support their mental health and well-being. Especially for individuals struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, journaling provides an effective avenue to support wellness. The supplies are minimal and there’s no training required; all you need is a few minutes a day and the necessary writing materials. And with speech-to-text and dictation features on most phones and computers, you don’t even need to physically write to keep a journal.

Journaling allows you a safe space to process your thoughts, feelings and actions as often as you like. Tailoring your journal to fulfill a specific purpose, such as an addiction journal, offers additional therapeutic benefits.

Benefits to an addiction journal for recovery

The list of benefits to journaling is lengthy, and each individual may discover more advantages not mentioned here. Once you begin an addiction journal, and especially after you stick with the habit in the weeks to come, you are actually tracking data. When you read back through your writing you are sure to see signs of progress, and also patterns in vulnerabilities that could be triggers to usage. Noticing these trends doesn’t require a journal, but it sure doesn’t hurt to have it there in black-and-white detail, when you need to be real with yourself. An addiction diary can also help you to develop your writing skills, which is a marketable talent.

Journaling goes a long way toward building a regular routine. Making writing a regular habit can both make journaling more manageable and more useful to all participants. Routines can bring a sense of stability to a life that otherwise feels chaotic and disjointed. Especially for those dealing with mental health issues alongside addiction, routine is crucial to establishing a balanced life.

How to start journaling for addiction recovery

If you’ve never had a journal before, no need to fret. Journaling is one of the simplest tasks you can start to promote mental health and addiction recovery. In fact, journaling is the easiest thing you can do in the next five minutes to support your sobriety. All you need is a medium to write (or dictate to your device) about your experiences and your thoughts. There are no regulations, guidelines or requirements for a diary. This is your space to process what you need to. If you find yourself wondering how to get started, here are some addiction recovery questions to get you started or spark some inspiration.

• If I had to narrow my biggest trigger down to one word, what would it be and why?
• When I look back at my life, what events can I trace back to that directly impacted substance use habits?
• What was my biggest barrier to lasting sobriety, last time I tried to break my addiction?
• Where do I need to be emotionally for long-term recovery from drug and alcohol abuse?
• Who has been my biggest support in my recovery?
• Who/what has been my biggest adversary in my recovery?
• What do I still need others to do to help me achieve sobriety, and have I asked for that help?
• What do I need to take personal responsibility for in my recovery that I haven’t before?
• What conversation do I need to have, and with whom, to feel more free to really pursue sobriety?
• Where do I feel most at peace, and what can I do to bring that sense of peace into my daily life?
• Who do I know that has achieved long-term sobriety and what question(s) should I ask that person?
• What is the most motivational thing I have heard or experienced that will help me in my recovery?
• In 10 years, how do I want the story of my addiction and recovery to be told?
• How do I hope to one day use my sobriety to inspire others?
• Where do I see myself in 5 years having achieved sobriety?
• Where will I be in 5 years if my addiction is still disrupting my life?
• What would it take to be proud of myself?

Use and re-use these journaling prompts throughout your addiction recovery process. Guaranteed, you’ll write something different every time even if you use the same prompt over and over. Allow your addiction journal to guide you in your self-discovery. The more you know yourself, the easier it is to avoid temptations to substance use and the more likely you are to implement supports that will help you reach sobriety. This is not an easy road, but keeping a journal can help you to see that you’re gaining ground even when it feels like you’re stuck in a rut. 

To get help with your addiction, get in touch with a professional today. The therapists at Silvermist Recovery will be happy to help you get started with an addiction diary, in tandem with professional services that can help you actively pursue freedom from life’s challenges. Call   (724) 268-4858 today, and discover how great substance use freedom can feel.

View More of Our Facility

Main residence.

View Gallery

Recovery Stories

…friendly and super personable….

Read more “…friendly and super personable…”

I’m grateful and tremendously satisfied…

Read more “I’m grateful and tremendously satisfied…”

[They] cared to see clients doing well…

Read more “[They] cared to see clients doing well…”

I am extremely grateful…

Read more “I am extremely grateful…”

…a 10 out of 10…

Read more “…a 10 out of 10…”

Your Future Starts at Silvermist

Designed for adult males.

We proudly offer a Life Skills Curriculum to help young people transition into adulthood.

Individualized Treatment

At Silvermist Recovery Center, you can experience one on one care and a customized treatment plan.

Available 24/7

At Silvermist we are committed to being available for you or your family member day or night, you can call us 24/7.

Expansive Campus

A Choice for Meaningful Treatment with Dignity

130 Critchlow School Road Renfrew, PA 16053

Committed to Your Success Since 2014

Residential Addiction & Mental Health Treatment for Adults

The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as medical advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, a doctor-patient relationship.

• For Individuals
• How it Works
• For Providers
• Recovery Coaches

Journaling in Recovery: A List of Addiction Recovery Journal Prompts & Tips to Get Started

Journaling in recovery can be a helpful tool to guide your healing process. You may use a journal to record your struggles through the recovery process or to identify accomplishments in healing. Journals are even useful to help you work through painful or difficult emotions that may be hard to annunciate to a counselor or therapist, but easier to jot down on paper/or digital device. No matter what you decide to put in your journal, the writing process can be therapeutic in a variety of different ways.

Why Journal in Recovery?

There is great power in one’s ability to write. Even if you aren’t a master of words, you may find that writing things down, the good and the bad, is healing and conducive to your recovery. Many treatment centers begin teaching the journaling process by having clients write in a “gratitude journal” quoting things they are thankful for and reasons to be happy each day. Journaling in recovery helps with:

• Alleviating stress.
• Providing a new perspective on an otherwise difficult thought process or situation.
• Guiding trends or progress towards a goal.
• Maintaining accountability and honesty.
• Getting in touch with emotions.

Part of the recovery process is deeply focused on teaching you how to appropriately connect with your emotions and embrace change. A journal can help you to open up and better understand the feelings you are having without actually forcing you to mention those feelings in an open chat or counseling session. Keeping a record of your experiences, good and bad, can help you to see progress in your recovery too! Pocket Rehab provides you with access to a digital journal that is always available on your smartphone or tablet. You can record your thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and feelings in the journal and only your eyes are able to see. Placing your thoughts and feelings on paper can help you to learn how to better cope with the emotions that are at the heart of your recovery experience.

Types of Recovery Journals

Perhaps you will keep all of your emotions or thoughts in a single journal—your addiction recovery journal . Or, perhaps you will have several types of journals based on the form your writing or emotions are to take. Different types of journaling provide a different outlet or experience for you. For instance:

A diary can provide a glimpse into how you were feeling at a given moment or during a given situation. Diary entries are almost always kept private and are for you to look back on and see growth.

A reflection journal can provide a glimpse into how you felt throughout the day and what struggles you were able to overcome. Many treatment centers encourage patients to keep an evening reflection journal, writing down their choices and behaviors daily. This is a great way to keep your recovery process close while allowing a time of reflection and relaxation at the end of each day.

A gratitude journal allows you to look back at the things you are grateful for each day in recovery. Later on you can see how your attitude changed over time and how the things you were grateful for throughout your recovery evolved.

A goal journal can help you to keep a track of the goals you have both in recovery and in everyday life and how you are taking action to reach those goals. Looking back at this type of journal, you can see what you maybe could have done better, or where you went wrong if you did not achieve a specific goal.

There is No Right or Wrong!

The most important thing to remember, when keeping a recovery journal, is that there is no right or wrong way. You can write however you want—full sentences, half sentences, half thoughts. It’s your journal, and it’s very likely that as you progress through the recovery and healing process, so too will the manner in which you write.

What to Write About

You can write about anything you like in your journal. Your diary may include a date, time and your feelings for the day. A reflection journal will likely include an event that occurred during the day, your feelings during the event, and maybe a reflection on what you could have done differently. Your gratitude journal could include things you are grateful for throughout the day, or just one major thing you are grateful for each day.

Studies show that journaling exposes you to the disclosure of emotions with less fear of being criticized or having fingers pointed at you. This means that your decision to write in a daily journal, or a weekly journal (we don’t want you to feel obligated to write daily if you don’t feel compelled to do so), can help you to work through emotions, reduce depression and grief and heal.

Addiction Recovery Journal Prompts

Some days, you may just not have the energy or the desire to come up with a topic for your journal—that’s ok! When creative juices aren’t flowing, or you simply have nothing on your mind to write about, consider one of the following addiction recovery journal prompts:

What scares you the most in recovery?

Do you have a plan for Tomorrow? What is it?

How do you feel about your recovery today?

Are you worried about something? What is it? How are You Coping with Worry?

Dear past me…

Dear present me…

Dear future me…

You can’t change people…but you can understand them better. Who do you wish you could better understand? Why?

If you weren’t in recovery, what would life be like today?

We are constantly evolving and learning. Write down the top 10 things you have learned in recovery as of today.

What are you most proud of?

What makes you smile? Make a list of 10 things that are sure to make you smile.

How does your body make you feel? What can you do to feel positive in your skin today?

What is unconditional love like for you? What does it look like? How does it feel?

What is enough for you?

What I really wish others knew about me is…

At work, I felt really ____________ when _____________ did ______________. Because…

Tears are words that need to be written…___________________ always brings tears to my eyes.

My first love was ….

I have these questions that I desperately need answers to……

I need to learn more about…..

I admire these 5 people the most because….

My favorite books today are …..

My short term goals are …..

My long term goals are …..

Using Pocket Rehab to Journal

You can’t always take a book with you everywhere you go, and writing down your thoughts may be challenging if you don’t have pen and paper handy—but addiction recovery apps like Pocket Rehab provide an outlet for you to journal in wherever you are, whenever you’re ready.

When you log into Pocket Rehab you will immediately be prompted with access to your journal. If you can’t figure out what to write about, consider one of the above topics to spark your creativity. Remember, there is no right or wrong way—this is YOUR journal, YOUR healing journey, YOUR recovery.

Keeping a journal is an excellent way to positively influence life around you. Your journal may include a list of things you love or hate, emotions you feel or wish you could feel, highs and lows in your life, and events you would change or recreate if possible—it really doesn’t matter what you write about, as long as you are writing therapeutically.

How to Write Therapeutically

Write whatever comes to mind each day or whatever feels like something you need to express. If you feel the need to express joy, great! If you feel sad, okay! Your journal can be structured into a gratitude or reflective journal, or you can have a loose or flexible journal that simply conveys whatever you want to write about at a given moment. That choice is yours!

Here are some suggestions for writing therapeutically:

Set aside time to write in your journal daily or every other day. Do what works best for you! We recommend 20-30 minutes but you may be more comfortable starting out with just 10 minutes or you may find you take a longer time to reflect and create. The important thing is to set aside time.

Pick a place that is free from distractions where you can focus. You may want to write in bed, or at a desk. Wherever you choose, it should be comfortable and private.

To maintain consistency, and to get a better gauge of how you organize your thoughts, we encourage you to attempt to write something everyday. This helps to build a routine and will encourage you to work the writing into your schedule even as you become busier in life.

Keep your recovery journal handy throughout the day to jot down ideas—this is where Pocket Rehab makes the process very handy.

Set aside time to review your journaling once every few weeks or so. Reflect on your entries and consider how you have grown.

Journaling is a self-reflective, inner experience that will help you grow emotionally. We hope you find the tools you need for a comfortable journaling process that is beneficial and helpful to your journey.

Recent Posts

• Resolutions NOT Required for Recovery
• Stop Playing the Victim: Overcoming Addiction and the Victim Mentality
• Coping with Stress & Anxiety During the Holidays
• Importance of Routine in Early Recovery
• Holiday Self-Care Tips to Stay Sober throughout the Season
• Short and Long Term Effects of Drugs
• The Brain and Addiction
• Coping with Anxiety and Depression in Recovery
• Why Do People Become Addicted?
• PAWS—What It Is and What to Expect

16 Writing Prompts for Your Addiction Recovery Journal

• by Terry Hurley
• July 13, 2022

Journaling & Addiction Recovery

When you are in recovery from a drug or alcohol addiction , journaling is an effective tool that aids the healing process. It helps you express and understand your feelings, thoughts, and emotions. Journaling also provides a way to record your accomplishments, goals, memories, and ideas. But sometimes the most challenging part of journaling is getting started.

Journaling Prompts to Consider

To help, we offer 16 journaling prompts you can use in your recovery journal next time you feel stuck.

1 – Dear present me…

Write a letter to your present self. Be honest about your feelings toward yourself. Tell yourself how you feel about the progress you made. Write about your current lifestyle choices, relationships, or whatever is on your mind.

2 – Dear past me…

Write a letter to your past self. Write down anything that helps you let go of negative feelings or anger you have toward your past self. Express any regret you have for your past actions and choices. It will help you forgive yourself. You could tell your past self how far you have come. Describe where you are now in life. Write about your accomplishments.

3 – Dear future me…

Write a letter to your future self. Tell your future self where you are now and how you feel. Tell them where you want to be and how you want to feel as you progress in your recovery.

4 – What makes you smile?

Think about the things that bring a smile to your face. Write down ten things that make you smile. Feel free to elaborate on them and describe specific instances of happiness.

5 – My short-term (or long-term) goals are …

Goals come in all sizes . They can be big or small, short-term or long-term. They can be something you want to achieve in several days, several weeks, or several years. They will change over time as you grow in your recovery.

6 – I would like to learn…

A critical part of addiction recovery is looking forward to a happier, positive future. Write about a skill or hobby you would like to learn.

7 – Choose a recovery-related word and write what it means to you.

Some words have different meanings to different people. Choose one and write down what it means to you. For example, you could write about the words gratitude, support, enabling , negativity, sobriety, and more.

8 – Write a letter to someone you love.

Think about the five people you love the most. Pick one of them and write them a letter. The letter is just for you. You do not have to give it to the person.

9 – Write a goodbye letter to someone you want to remove from your life.

A critical part of lasting sobriety is removing toxic people from your life. Again, you do not have to send the letter. But you might want to talk about it with your therapist and use it as a launching point to take action that will help you deal with this person in a healthy way.

10 – Write about someone from your past.

Write about your parents, grandparents, siblings, or first love. You could choose to write about a childhood friend or someone you lost. Write down whatever comes to your mind about them. It could be how you felt about them or a special memory.

11 – I was truly happy (or truly afraid) when…

Describe why you felt that way and how you feel about that time now.

12 – Write about the last mistake you made.

What did you learn from it? Everyone makes mistakes, and it is important to try to learn from them so you do not make the same mistake again.

13 – If my body could talk, it would say…

Addiction takes its toll on your body and mind . Your body is healing and becoming stronger. What would your body say about how it felt while you were in active addiction and how it is feeling now? How does it feel about continuing to become stronger and healthier?

14 – I couldn’t imagine living without…

Make a list of all the things you are grateful for and could not imagine not having in your life. It could include people, pets, things, your job, and whatever else you want to include. You could also choose one thing and describe why it is so important to you.

15 – List ten things about yourself you have learned during recovery.

There is no question that going through recovery has shown you that you are much stronger than you ever thought you could be. Take the time to identify other things you have learned about yourself during recovery.

16 – Dear addiction…

Write a letter to your addiction. What would you say to your addiction if you could talk to it?

Three Journaling Resources

• 12 Step Journal with Step 4 Inventory Worksheets: Sobriety Journal for Addiction Recovery by Marsh Enterprises is an inspirational 12-Step recovery journal.
• Pocket Rehab provides many helpful recovery journaling tips.
• The Addiction Recovery Journal by C.W V. Straaten offers a practical short exercise or an inspiring question each day.

Do You Need Help?

If you or a loved one struggles with addiction to alcohol or drugs, help is available. At Canyon Vista Recovery Center , located in Mesa, Arizona, our staff of highly skilled, caring professionals will help you find the path to recovery. Take the first step and call us today.

Considering an Arizona drug and alcohol treatment program? Learn more about programs offered at Canyon Vista Recovery Center. Contact us at (888) 979-1840

Recent posts.

Addiction Treatment and The Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Eight Tips To Help Manage Anxiety in Addiction Recovery

The Benefits of Outpatient Rehab for Substance Addiction

Club Drugs: Addiction, Withdrawal, and Treatment

Co-occurring Disorders: Depression and Addiction

About programs offered at Canyon Vista Recovery Center

Contact us at

888-979-1840

• Nine Tips to Prevent Relapse
• Keeping a Meditation Journal
• Art Therapy in Addiction Treatment

860 North Center Street Mesa, Arizona 85201

Accreditations & Memberships:

Admissions help Line: 888-979-1840

50 Journal Prompts for Addiction Recovery

• Felix Prasetyo
• Updated April 16, 2022
• April 16, 2022
• Category    Journal Prompts

Table of Contents

Are you struggling with addiction? Are you looking for ways to stay sober? If yes, then journal prompts might be able to help you overcome your addiction. In this article, I’ll share some of my favorite journal prompts for addiction recovery.

Journal prompts are simple writing exercises that prompt you to write down your thoughts and feelings . They can be used to help you cope with stress or anxiety, improve your memory, and even boost creativity.

Journal prompts are a great way to get started with journaling. The key is to pick a topic that interests you and stick to it. Once you’ve done that, you can start writing.

Don’t have time to read the whole guide right now?

No worries. Let me send you a copy so you can read it when it’s convenient for you. Just let me know where to send it (takes 5 seconds):

Journaling prompts to help your addiction recovery journey.

• 1. What made me think about alcohol or drug use in the first place?
• 2. Is there something I do that makes using drugs or drinking easier? Maybe you love to drink because it helps you relax. Or maybe it’s shopping. Perhaps it’s staying up late talking on the phone. Write down what you like about your habits.
• 3. How does using drugs affect my life in the long run? For example, if I have more money when I’m not using, will that make it harder for me to stop?
• 4. How could I keep myself from sneaking drinks at parties, concerts, etc.? It may take practice and trust to realize that you don’t need alcohol or drugs every time you go out to enjoy yourself. Do whatever it takes to remind yourself that you’re strong enough to resist temptation.
• 5. Why did I decide to quit using drugs or drinking? What has helped me? Describe how others helped too. Even people who weren’t around when you were using can play an important role in helping you recover.
• 6. I tried to cut back by going through withdrawal, but now I want another hit. Have I learned anything during these times ? Can I ever expect to feel different without alcohol or other addictive substances?
• 7. Did I find someone else to replace those friends or activities? It’s difficult to move away from old friendships or routines once you’ve gotten very comfortable with them. But the truth is, they aren’t healthy for you; no one wants their close relationships to harm themselves and others.
• 8. When was the last time I felt like I needed to cut back on my drinking or drug use? Think about the reasons in your list. Was there any reason that stood out?
• 9. Does anyone know where I hid my drugs or alcohol after I stopped using them? Were you around when I took them off the counter? If so, describe what happened next. Did you notice any changes in your behavior?
• 10. Do I have any concerns about my health from all the drinking and drug taking? For instance, am I getting sicker and weaker? Am I gaining weight?
• 11. Do I have any unusual cravings since stopping drinking or using drugs? What are they? Let them be as clear as possible. Sometimes the body just needs its mind focused on something.
• 12. Did I ask for help at any point? What kind of help did I seek? Now that you’ve been clean for some time, would you tell people about your experience? Can others really understand the struggle unless they’ve lived it themselves?
• 13. How much better do I feel when I’m not abusing alcohol or drugs? Think about things that have changed for the better. Maybe I don’t suffer headaches anymore. Or I sleep better. Or I see things more clearly.
• 14. If I couldn’t get high or drunk right now, what would I do? Be honest. You might surprise yourself with what comes up. Perhaps you’d like a day to spend with family, for example.
• 15. Are there any feelings or thoughts that I experienced in recovery that surprised me? These may seem insignificant now, but they’ll become valuable insights.
• 16. How often did I do this thing when I was drinking or using? Did I continue doing it even though it didn’t work well? In fact, do I still do it? Consider each question carefully. The answers might give you insights into yourself that you never knew before.
• 17. Has anyone offered me encouragement? This could mean words of praise or consolation, or perhaps advice. You can offer it, too. And if others did the same thing, think about whether or not they had motives beyond being nice to you.
• 18. Have I done anything to hurt myself recently? Take some time to look over your journal entries from the past few months. Pay particular attention to the last couple of weeks . Were you acting impulsively because you hadn’t been “clean” long enough to realize what you were doing?
• 19. How does my life compare to how it used to be? Look back over your daily journal entries. See if you can spot trends. Try making comparisons.
• 20. Will I be able to live without using alcohol or other drugs forever ? Ask yourself. Can you imagine living a different way and still feeling happy?
• 21. Has my life improved over the years? If you’re looking back, you might want to write down a paragraph or two about what you remember.
• 22. Have I learned any lessons by going through this process ? Perhaps you realized that you need to pay more attention to the company you keep. Or maybe you found a passion or purpose that wasn’t tied to substances. Whatever it is that makes you special, let it guide who you are.
• 23. Is there anything else I should think about during treatment? Write several paragraphs describing what you hope your future holds. You might also consider writing about someone else’s story. It always helps to hear another person’s perspective and learn from their examples.
• 24. Does getting this far scare me? Yes. Do I wish it was easier? Absolutely. But all human beings try to find meaning in difficult circumstances. When we reach this stage, we know that we’re ready—not just physically, but mentally as well.
• 25. What is my greatest weakness? If you were asked to list your strengths and weaknesses, where would you probably place them on the list? Why? You might use these ideas to help you improve one area of your life while leaving other areas alone.
• 26. Am I satisfied with how I’ve handled myself in the past? If you could change something about your current situation, what would it be? Remember, you are your own best coach! So ask yourself: Which aspects of your behavior will support your goals?
• 27. Are my friends supportive or noncommittal? Your friends may have heard you talk candidly about your problems, even though they didn’t actually see you struggling. As such, they need to understand and accept the changes you’re facing.
• 28. Did most people react positively toward my efforts? No matter how many good things happen, you shouldn’t feel entitled to favorable reactions every day . Don’t expect everyone around you to agree with your decisions 100 percent of the time.
• 29. How can I continue making progress? At first, you may struggle to answer this question. Maybe you really don’t know where to start. However, there are many ways you can build upon your successes .
• 30. Where will I be one year from now? Think back to the beginning of this chapter and reflect on your answers. Will you still be working hard on yourself? Can you imagine where you want to be at the end of next year?
• 31. How can I keep moving forward? This is an important question because it tells us that you’re committed to living a happy life . If you don’t feel motivated , then you won’t go very far. So give yourself credit whenever you succeed and forgive yourself when you fail.
• 32. What kind of person am I becoming ? When you think back over the past month, which qualities stand out as having developed most favorably? Consider whether these characteristics represent the type of person you aspire to be.
• 33. Am I getting further along than I expected? Looking up at the sky, what do you see? Clouds or stars? Either way, this moment represents the beginning of a new era. Reflect on all of the steps you took this year. Were you able to move beyond some of your difficulties? Which ones were easy? Which ones proved difficult?
• 34. Today I… (fill in the blank) Remember, you control only YOURSELF. Focus on reaching your goals by taking small consistent STEPS. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t achieve your dreams. We are surrounded by people who tell us what we cannot do.
• 35. What will I say to my greatest critic? Imagine someone whom you love dearly telling you “You aren’t making me proud.” Say this aloud, and picture her in your mind as she says it. How does this affect you emotionally? Do you get angry?
• 36. What would I like people to know about me? Write down three things that describe you in the best light. Then write down one thing that describes you in a less-than-positive way. Read through both lists together, and compare them.
• 37. Are there any activities I’m avoiding ? If so, why? Maybe you feel afraid or ashamed to participate in an activity, and don’t have the courage to go forward. Or maybe you know that you’ll enjoy participating, but fear being seen or judged by other people.
• 38. When was the last time I felt happy ? Did I try to change something that made me unhappy? Was it an isolated incident or a recurring pattern? Consider these questions while writing down answers to them. 
• 39. What should I expect to happen today? Take some extra time and really assess where you are right now in your addiction journey . Have you made progress? Have you had setbacks? Have you done anything new today?
• 40. What can I learn from my mistakes ? List five situations in which you failed at something important in your life. Write out each failure on separate piece of paper and examine all aspects of them. For example, did you use poor judgment?
• 41. What will I do to help myself succeed tomorrow? Make plans to handle problems that may arise during your day. Before going to bed, plan your schedule for the days ahead, listing everything that needs to be accomplished.
• 42. In what ways does my current lifestyle support my recovery? Write down what you need to accomplish in order to recover from the disease of addiction successfully.
• 43. What’s happening in my brain? Do the feelings that you’ve been experiencing lately seem normal? Are they consistent with how you usually respond to certain events and environments? Do they seem extreme?
• 44. Is there any harm involved in this situation? While you’re still trying to figure out if this activity truly represents harmful behavior, think back over the past week.
• 45. What’s my motivation? Think about the reasons why you continue to drink and/or use drugs. Does this habit serve any useful purpose in your life ? There’s always an excuse.
• 46. What has changed? A lot has changed since the beginning of our journey together. Your thoughts, attitudes, emotions, and behaviors have certainly evolved. Now that’s a real accomplishment!
• 47. What’s new? What were you doing before you began this journaling project? Describe what’s happened since you started writing about your experience in recovery. It is likely that many of your old habits have disappeared, and maybe it’s easy to forget that they existed.
• 48. What do I miss? If you’ve spent weeks studying this list, you probably know what you miss most about being addicted. But have you thought about what you also miss when you’re away from your drug of choice?
• 49. How do I want my life to be different? What specific outcomes do you want to achieve? Do you want to earn a promotion at work? Have more money? Gain a certain skill set? Start a business ? Make art?
• 50. What am I looking forward to? Write down what you’re looking forward to after completing your program of recovery.

I hope that this addiction recovery journal have helped you to have a more positive outlook on life , as well as improving your overall recovery process.

Best of luck!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Felix Prasetyo is the founder and publisher at Lifengoal, covering relationships, social skills, and personal growth. Felix holds a degree in Computer Science from the University of British Columbia, and has also contributed to other media publications such as Addicted2Success.com and YogiApproved.

A Dash of Magic Newsletter

“To get good at dealing with negative experiences is to get good at dealing with life.” – Mark Manson

Join our newsletter

© Copyright 2024. All Rights Reserved.

• HTML sitemap
• Privacy policy
• Terms of service
• Sharing settings

Where should we send your FREE e-book?

Get our 47-page-short, on purpose book on creating a long-lasting relationship, improving yourself as an individual, and many more!

Find Recovery

Alcohol & Addiction Recovery Resources

Writing Prompts for Recovery

Looking to sleep better and heal faster? We’re not talking about exercise–there’s another champion of self-care that’s also one of the best addiction recovery tools out there: it’s journaling. 

As little as 15 minutes of writing a day can improve memory, mindfulness, and mood and make sense of things when your life has turned upside down–or more accurately, right side up–after addiction. Here are 23 addiction recovery journal prompts for you to try.

23 Writing Prompts for Recovery & Daily Recovery Questions

There are a few different approaches you could take when journaling. You could write free-form about whatever pops into your mind at the moment without any guide or prompt. But when you’re not sure what to write about, answering thought-provoking questions about recovery, your feelings, or your past is a great way to process this major life event. 

These 23 suggestions will range from specific questions to broad ideas to explore. Either type is capable of providing a better understanding of how you got where you are today, highlighting your triumphs and acknowledging rough patches, and a safe space to reflect on the past and future.

Prompts if you’re just starting the recovery process

• What scares me most about recovery?
• What would I be doing right now if I wasn’t in recovery?
• Write a goodbye letter to things, people, or behaviors I know aren’t healthy and want to leave behind.  
• What did I do to strengthen my recovery today?

Prompts if you’re struggling to find motivation

• List 10 things you’re most grateful for since being in recovery.
• What do I want to accomplish tomorrow? What steps can I take to set myself up for success and how will that benefit my long-term recovery journey? 
• When I meet new people, what do I want them to think about me? 
• When do I feel most in tune with myself?

Prompts for dealing with setbacks

• What’s the last mistake I made that made me feel ashamed? Why did I feel that way?
• What emotions am I holding on to? What hurts right now? How can I find relief?
• What’s the most recent instance where I didn’t set healthy boundaries? What happened because of it and how could the outcome have been different?
• What distractions get in the way of being my most productive?

Prompts for living in the moment

• If my body could talk, it would say….
• What was the highlight of my day?
• What are the things in my home that are the most “me”?

Prompts for self-discovery

• What three important things have you learned from previous relationships?
• How can you better support and appreciate your loved ones?
• What are 10 words you’d use to describe yourself? Now list the 10 words you want to use. How can you make that happen?
• What’s something new I’ve learned about myself since getting sober?

Prompts for tracking your progress

• Where was I 1,3, or 5 years ago? What differences am I most proud of? 
• What would my friends and loved ones say are the biggest ways I’ve changed (for the better)? 
• What things can I appreciate better now because I’m sober?
• What have I learned about myself during the recovery process?

The Benefits of Journaling for Addiction Recovery

Science has shown that putting pen to paper can have real, tangible benefits on our health. These benefits include lowering blood pressure, boosting the immune system, and improving liver functionality. However, it’s journaling’s benefits for psychological well-being and cognition that make it so deeply beloved by the addiction recovery community. 

Journaling helps us process our feelings and work through emotions that are difficult to express, like those related to traumatic experiences. This is why writing down our thoughts is a powerful outlet for people struggling with mental illness like anxiety or depression but is particularly beneficial for those in recovery.  

The isolating nature of drug use can leave people feeling isolated and estrange them from loved ones who, after recovery, may not have a support network to express themselves to. There’s also the high probability that those newly in recovery haven’t been alone with their thoughts in a long time and aren’t sure how to deal with them. Journaling provides a safe, judgment-free place to lay out their thoughts–and because it’s so widely accepted as part of mainstream culture, it’s a practice a person can take up without feeling gimmicky and self-conscious.

Another easy way to support your recovery journey is to participate in Alcoholics Anonymous or other 12-step meeting groups. Find an AA group near you , today. 

Author: Tyler F.

Tyler is a writer with dual degrees from the University of South Florida. Having grown up with an alcoholic father, she understands both the subtle and not-so-subtle ways that addiction can affect the family unit. This Miami native has become a champion of mental health and an active believer in the power of positive thinking. When she isn't at the beach, Tyler enjoys running, jigsaw puzzles, and snuggling with her cat, Poof. View all posts by Tyler F.

31 Reflective Journal Prompts For Recovery (Supportive & Healing)

Save This For Later...

Journaling is a powerful tool used by many people (and recommended by many professionals) to help you to become more aware of your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

When it comes to recovery, journaling, and using specific journal prompts for recovery that are supportive and healing can have a wide range of benefits and can help you feel like you’re on the right path.

Journaling can be helpful in various types of recovery, whether recovering from an eating disorder, alcohol addiction and substance abuse , childhood trauma, or any other traumatic experience.

By using recovery journal prompts as a way to help your journal writing, you can gain a better understanding of yourself, and your mindset, and help you with personal growth.

How Does Journaling Help In Recovery?

Journaling is widely used for emotional healing and is often used as part of addiction treatment and disorder recovery treatment programs.

There are many different ways to journal, whether you sit and write a journal entry, or art therapy as a therapeutic tool (which you can still do with your journal prompts), the most important thing is that you find a way to journal that suits you.

While it’s easy to explain the benefits of journaling, it can be more motivating to understand how a journaling practice can specifically help in recovery.

Here’s how:

Journaling Can Help You Get To Know Yourself Better

Any form of addiction or trauma can be like wearing blinders that keep you from seeing all the other aspects of your life.

Journaling can help you take off those blinders and get in touch with what’s really going on for you.

While many people think they know themselves well, using a daily journal and making journaling part of your regular routine can help you to become more self-aware , and help you to build your confidence and understanding of yourself.

This time of reflection can allow you to see areas of your life that are working well, it can help you to identify trauma triggers and what triggers negative feelings, as well as help you to identify short-term goals and create actionable steps to achieve them.

Journaling Can Help You Process Emotions

Journaling can also provide a much-needed outlet for all the emotions that come up during addiction recovery.

The process of getting sober is bound to stir up a lot of feelings – sadness, anger, frustration, fear, shame, and elation.

It’s important to have a healthy way to express all of those emotions, and journaling can be that outlet.

While it can be tempting to hide from negative thoughts and difficult emotions, facing these thoughts and emotions, and processing them can go a long way to helping in the healing journey.

This can be incredibly powerful in your recovery, especially when you experience a tough day, or a set back, or when you’re feeling like you’re ready to just give up on it all. Journaling can help you to identify what your emotions are, where they are coming from, and how you can process them.

Journaling Can Keep You Accountable

Journaling can help you stay accountable to yourself and your recovery goals.

Every day, you can write down what you did to work on your recovery, no matter how small the steps may seem.

Over time, you’ll be able to look back and see just how far you’ve come – which is bound to be hugely motivating.

If you know that you are going to be journaling at the end of each day, it can start to influence your daily life in a good way, and help you to stay on track in your own recovery.

Why Use Journaling Prompts?

Using journal prompts, or writing prompts, is an effective way to help you get the most out of your journaling process.

If you’ve ever felt the frustration of sitting in front of a blank page wondering what to write, then you know how offputting and disheartening it can be.

And, if you are always wondering what you’re going to write about, then you’re probably not going to look forward to or enjoy the journaling experience, which can really hinder your healing process.

However, if you can take away that ‘what do I write about?’ element, and replace it with journal prompts that are designed to help in the addiction recovery process, then this can certainly help you move along your healing journey a whole lot faster (and with more depth of understanding).

31 Reflective Journal Prompts For Recovery

Using journal prompts as a way of guided journaling is a great way to get started with a journaling practice (or to add some variety to your current practice).

These journaling prompts can make you feel uncomfortable, they can challenge you, and they may bring up emotions that can be difficult to process.

Please ensure your recovery supporters are aware you are journaling and can talk you through the process and how best to approach journaling specifically for you.

Here are 31 reflective journal prompts for recovery that can help you get started:

1 – What was my experience with addiction like?

2 – What were the turning points that led me to seek help?

3 – How has sobriety changed my life?

4 – What are the biggest challenges I’m facing in recovery?

5 – What are my fears and doubts about recovery?

6 – Why do I want to stay sober?

7 – What are the things that trigger my urge to use?

8 – How can I avoid or cope with triggers?

9 – What are the people, places, and things I need to stay away from in order to stay sober?

10 – What are my biggest accomplishments in recovery?

11 – Who or what has been the biggest support for me in recovery?

12 – What have I learned about myself through recovery?

13 – What are the things I’m most proud of about myself?

14 – How has my relationship with myself changed since getting sober?

15 – How has my relationship with others changed since getting sober?

16 – What is forgiveness, and why is it important in recovery?

17 – What is something that makes me smile?

18 – What is something that is hard for you right now?

19 – What is something that has surprised you about recovery?

20 – How does your body feel right now? How do you want it to feel?

21 – What is something you are grateful for?

22 – What is a goal you have for yourself in recovery?

23 – Who or what is your biggest inspiration right now?

24 – What does your ideal future look like?

25 – How can you take care of yourself today?

26 – Write a letter to you now from your future self. What do you want the future version of you to say?

27 – What is something that gives you a sense of peace?

28 – What are some things you can do to ease your anger?

29 – How can you show yourself compassion today?

30 – What is a self-care activity you enjoy? How often can you make that happen?

31 – What are three things you can do to make your recovery journey more manageable or even enjoyable?

Tips When Journaling For Recovery

There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to journaling, and there’s no right or wrong way, but there are definitely some things that can make the process more effective (and less daunting).

Here are a few tips for journaling during addiction recovery:

1 – Prioritize Your Journaling Time

Set aside time each day (or as often as you can) to write in your journal.

It doesn’t have to be a long chunk of time, even just 10-15 minutes can be enough.

But try to make it a consistent time so that journaling becomes part of your daily routine.

If you prefer to journal of a morning and kick start your day with your journaling practice, then go for it. If you’d rather wait until the end of the day and reflect, then that’s totally fine too.

Find what works for you, and then make it consistent.

2 – Find A Comfortable Place To Journal

Choose a place where you feel comfortable and relaxed.

It could be a spot in your home, outside in nature, or even at your local coffee shop.

The main thing is that you feel good about the space you’re journaling in and that it’s somewhere you can focus without distractions.

3 – Don’t Restrict Yourself… And Don’t Force It

Write for as long as you want, but don’t force yourself to write more than you feel comfortable with.

If you’re struggling to write for 10 minutes, then don’t force it. If you can only get two words on the page, that’s okay. If you end up writing a short novel, that’s okay too.

The effects of journaling extend beyond the words you put on the page.

And don’t restrict yourself to just writing either.

If you feel like drawing or doodling, then go for it.

Your journal is for you, and however you want to express yourself is totally fine.

4 – Be Honest With Yourself

This is probably the most important tip of all.

Your journal is for you, and it’s a safe space for you to be honest with yourself.

That means being open and honest about the good, the bad, and the ugly.

No one else has to see your journal (unless you want them to), so you can write whatever you want.

And if you’re worried about what you might write, don’t be. You might even find after some time that the complete honesty that comes with journaling is therapeutic and something you look forward to.

5 – Don’t Edit Yourself

Your journal is a place for you to be yourself, and that means not editing or censoring your thoughts and feelings.

Let it all out, and don’t worry about whether it makes sense or not.

You can always go back and edit later if you want to, but for now, just write (or draw, or doodle) whatever comes into your head.

Final Thoughts

Journaling is a powerful tool that can be beneficial for anyone, but it can be especially helpful during recovery.

If you’re struggling to cope with withdrawal symptoms, manage your triggers, or just want a safe space to express yourself, then give journaling a try.

And if you’re not sure where to start, then why not try one of the prompts above?

Similar Posts

85 Journal Prompts for Mental Health: A Journey to Self-Discovery and Healing

Are you looking for a great way to improve your mental health, become more self-aware, and add a bit of self-care to your daily routine? Journaling might be the answer! Journaling can be a powerful tool for self-discovery, healing, and personal development. It can help you process negative thoughts, emotions, and experiences, and make better…

111 Powerful Rose Quartz Affirmations For Love & Happiness

The beautiful soft pink rose quartz crystal is associated with unconditional love, self-love, kindness and caring, motherhood, friendships, and romantic love. It is understandably one of the most popular crystals and teaming it with rose quartz affirmations can help amplify its energy and intentions. Key Takeaways What Are The Properties Of Rose Quartz? Rose Quartz…

The Unexpected Benefit of Embracing Your Fears

The other night at dinner, my daughter asked a question out of our Table Topics game, “Do you think it’s possible to get over a fear?” Lily, my husband, and I immediately said, “Yes.” While my son, Jasper, answered, “No. I don’t like horror movies and I don’t ever want to!” My son had a…

40+ January Journal Prompts For Daily Journaling Inspiration

It’s that time of the year when anything feels possible. The new year, a fresh start, and (fingers crossed) the opportunity to move past the previous years. This is my favorite time of year, it’s a time to not only look ahead and plan your goals but also to reflect on the past year and…

101 Journal Prompts For Self Love: Get To Know Yourself

After living on the edge of burnout for years on end, I’ve learned that self-love is the cornerstone of our well-being.  And guess what? I’ve discovered a powerful tool to cultivate it: journaling.  I mean, I know I didn’t discover it as in the first to ever do it, and to be honest, I’d been…

101 Positive Affirmations For Kids To Empower And Build Confidence

We know all of the amazing benefits of using positive affirmations for ourselves, to build up our self-worth and self-esteem, but did you know that using positive affirmations for kids can help empower them and build their self-confidence too? Just like adults, kids can also benefit from hearing positive statements about themselves on a regular…

31 Powerful Journaling Prompts for Healing & Recovery

For this article, I have collected and written 31 of the best most powerful journaling prompts for healing and recovery to use for your journey to wellness.

If you’ve been hanging here on Sassy Sister Stuff with me for a while, you know I’ve been promoting and using journals for my own personal growth and wellness for a couple of years now. If you’re new here, I invite you to visit my other articles about journal prompts to get a strong foundation for how they can help support your personal growth, wellness, and overall happiness in life.

So grab your journal and something to write with so you can get started with your healing and recovery journey:)

Related Article : 30 Self Reflection Journal Prompts for Personal Growth

Journaling Prompts for Healing and Recovery

There are many kinds of healing and recovery — emotional healing, physical healing — healing from abuse, healing from childhood trauma, healing from chronic illness and debilitating diseases, recovery from substance abuse addiction or alcohol addiction, and so many more.

Journaling through your healing and recovery process can help with your journey — especially if you are someone who has difficulty with verbally communicating about difficult topics. As an alternative to conversation, journaling offers you private time and space to reflect on your situation and let go of the painful memories.

As modern, strong women, we sometimes resist the process of surrendering and talking about our pain — instead, we suppress and suffer from it. But journaling is a form of compromise. You can reflect, analyze, process, and release the pain privately through pen and paper.

Journaling is an valuable way to help you heal and recover.

“Holding on to pain can lead to bitterness, resentment, anxiety, fatigue, chronic illness, debilitating diseases and feelings of discontent and disconnection.” ~ Tracie Braylock

These journaling prompts for healing and recovery will give you ideas to write about that will help you process your pain — whether physical or emotional. You should strive to write in your journal every day to get the most benefit from your reflections.

Related Article : A Year of 28 Day Challenges for Personal Growth

Use these 31 journaling prompts for healing and recovery to guide you in your process. Think, reflect, and write from a place of total honesty — visualize your complete healing and know that it will happen.

1. Create a list of 5 things you have learned about yourself during the healing and recovery process? 

2. Write a goodbye letter to something in your life that you want to eliminate during your healing and recovery process.

3. What does the word “freedom” mean to you right now at this point in your healing and recovery process?

4. Create a list of all the things in your life that you want to say NO to right now.

5. Create a list of all the things in your life that you want to say YES to right now.

6. Write the words that you most want to hear someone say to you right now.

7. After healing and recovery, what are 5 things you want to learn to do or start doing again?

8. Write down 5 questions that you want answers to even if you know you may not ever get answers.

9. What about this healing and recovery process scares you the most? How are you going to overcome the fear?

10. What does showing up for yourself look like to you during your healing and recovery process?

11. Make a list of 5 things in your life that are better right now than they were five years ago. Describe yourself then and now.

12. Write a “ letter to my younger self ” describing what you are going to go through at this time of your life.

13. Write a “letter to my future self” about how you are managing your healing and recovery process.

14. Make a list of 10 things that make you SMILE and have a brighter life right now.

15. Make a list of 10 things you have done this week that make you feel good.

16. Write an essay about the strengths you have developed during your healing and recovery journey.

17. How has the healing and recovery process improved your life?

18. What are you going to do to make your wellbeing a priority from now on?

19. What does healing and recovery mean to you right now?

20. What are your warning signs, or triggers, that let you know it’s time to rest, recharge, and relax?

21. What do you do to rest, recharge, and relax at this time in your journey? What will you do in the future?

22. What small lifestyle changes will have the most positive impact on your future wellbeing?

23. Finish this sentence: “I really need to stop…. ”

24. How can you practice more mindfulness in your every day life?

25. What does achieving happiness mean to you? What does it look like in your life?

26. What are your priorities in life during your healing and recovery? What will be your priorities in the future?

27. What actions can you take to simplify your life now and in the future?

28. What would you tell someone who is experiencing the same problem as you are?

29. How can you feel more fulfilled in life? What can you do to make that happen?

30. What’s the biggest challenge you managed to overcome during your healing and recovery journey?

31. How do you navigate your way through change, uncertainty and a loss of control? How can you handle it better in the future?

Related Article : 160 Awesome Gratitude Journal Prompts for a New Outlook on Life

What is an Addiction Recovery Journal ?

An Addiction Recovery Journal is another great option for someone who is recovering from an addiction. It’s like a memoir of your thoughts, reflections, emotions, interactions, behaviors, triggers, priorities, and other important components of your recovery.

It may or may not include journaling prompts for healing and recovery because because it can be more like a diary about each day.

Although I am not an addiction or mental health specialist, I want to include some helpful information here simply because I am familiar with the practices and want to help as many people as possible. This information is not intended to be a professional consultation between you and me — please see an appropriate specialist if you are in need of professional help.

These are some things that you should include in your Addiction Recovery Journal .

• Daily emotions that you experience
• Goals and plans for your recovery
• Identified triggers that cause you a problem
• Strategies for avoiding your triggers
• Thoughts of gratefulness
• A list of your priorities in life
• Inspirational quotes and words of wisdom that help you stay positive
• A list of victories during your recovery journey

You should choose a private place to write that is free from distractions since this is an important part of your recovery. Set aside 20-30 minutes to write in your journal every day. Throughout each day, jot down notes about your thoughts and feelings so you can elaborate later in your journal. And plan time regularly to review your journal entries and reflect on your words.

Whichever kind of journal you are using for healing and recovery, I wish you the very best!

Related Article : 90 Mindfulness Journal Prompts to Improve Your Life

Final Thoughts About Journaling for Healing & Recovery

Journaling prompts for healing and recovery should be used in a safe environment that enables you to face your pain or trauma privately. When that occurs, research shows that you can achieve tremendous healing.

Studies also show that journaling can even reduce pain, improve depression, and even lower inflammation in the body. Let the process help you!

You can also use meditation, mindfulness, calming coloring pages , yoga, and a heart of gratitude to support your healing — and don’t forget to drink plenty of water and eat properly. All of these strategies will help you grow through the process of healing. Check out 10 Simple Ways to Find Your ZEN in the Chaos of Life , too!

Pin to Pinterest for Later

One last thought…

Journaling is like a balm — it helps you soothe the pain — whether you have physical or emotional wounds, I hope you let your journal be your balm as you work through your pain and prepare for a bright future.

I hope these journaling prompts for healing and recovery help you heal, grow, and thrive .

Love to ALL! ~ Susan

Which Are Your Favorite Journaling Prompts for Healing? Share in the Comments:)

If you found value in my words, please consider sharing it on your socials by clicking the buttons below. Thank you for your continued support! It means so much to me!

Susan Ballinger is an award-winning educator, author, speaker, PTSD survivor, and advocate for ALL who has always been passionate about supporting and inspiring others in their personal growth. In her retirement years, she became the primary caregiver of her aging parents and developed an extensive knowledge-base about the elderly. You can learn more about Susan's professional work and compassionate nature by exploring her ABOUT page and connecting through her social media platforms.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Accessibility

Accessibility modes, online dictionary, readable experience, visually pleasing experience, easy orientation.

Sassy Sister Stuff Accessibility Statement

Accessibility Statement

• www.sassysisterstuff.com
• September 10, 2024

Compliance status

We firmly believe that the internet should be available and accessible to anyone, and are committed to providing a website that is accessible to the widest possible audience, regardless of circumstance and ability.

To fulfill this, we aim to adhere as strictly as possible to the World Wide Web Consortium’s (W3C) Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 (WCAG 2.1) at the AA level. These guidelines explain how to make web content accessible to people with a wide array of disabilities. Complying with those guidelines helps us ensure that the website is accessible to all people: blind people, people with motor impairments, visual impairment, cognitive disabilities, and more.

This website utilizes various technologies that are meant to make it as accessible as possible at all times. We utilize an accessibility interface that allows persons with specific disabilities to adjust the website’s UI (user interface) and design it to their personal needs.

Additionally, the website utilizes an AI-based application that runs in the background and optimizes its accessibility level constantly. This application remediates the website’s HTML, adapts Its functionality and behavior for screen-readers used by the blind users, and for keyboard functions used by individuals with motor impairments.

If you’ve found a malfunction or have ideas for improvement, we’ll be happy to hear from you. You can reach out to the website’s operators by using the following email [email protected] .

Screen-reader and keyboard navigation

Our website implements the ARIA attributes (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) technique, alongside various different behavioral changes, to ensure blind users visiting with screen-readers are able to read, comprehend, and enjoy the website’s functions. As soon as a user with a screen-reader enters your site, they immediately receive a prompt to enter the Screen-Reader Profile so they can browse and operate your site effectively. Here’s how our website covers some of the most important screen-reader requirements, alongside console screenshots of code examples:

Screen-reader optimization: we run a background process that learns the website’s components from top to bottom, to ensure ongoing compliance even when updating the website. In this process, we provide screen-readers with meaningful data using the ARIA set of attributes. For example, we provide accurate form labels; descriptions for actionable icons (social media icons, search icons, cart icons, etc.); validation guidance for form inputs; element roles such as buttons, menus, modal dialogues (popups), and others. Additionally, the background process scans all of the website’s images and provides an accurate and meaningful image-object-recognition-based description as an ALT (alternate text) tag for images that are not described. It will also extract texts that are embedded within the image, using an OCR (optical character recognition) technology. To turn on screen-reader adjustments at any time, users need only to press the Alt+1 keyboard combination. Screen-reader users also get automatic announcements to turn the Screen-reader mode on as soon as they enter the website.

These adjustments are compatible with all popular screen readers, including JAWS and NVDA.

Keyboard navigation optimization: The background process also adjusts the website’s HTML, and adds various behaviors using JavaScript code to make the website operable by the keyboard. This includes the ability to navigate the website using the Tab and Shift+Tab keys, operate dropdowns with the arrow keys, close them with Esc, trigger buttons and links using the Enter key, navigate between radio and checkbox elements using the arrow keys, and fill them in with the Spacebar or Enter key.Additionally, keyboard users will find quick-navigation and content-skip menus, available at any time by clicking Alt+1, or as the first elements of the site while navigating with the keyboard. The background process also handles triggered popups by moving the keyboard focus towards them as soon as they appear, and not allow the focus drift outside of it.

Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.

Disability profiles supported in our website

• Epilepsy Safe Mode: this profile enables people with epilepsy to use the website safely by eliminating the risk of seizures that result from flashing or blinking animations and risky color combinations.
• Visually Impaired Mode: this mode adjusts the website for the convenience of users with visual impairments such as Degrading Eyesight, Tunnel Vision, Cataract, Glaucoma, and others.
• Cognitive Disability Mode: this mode provides different assistive options to help users with cognitive impairments such as Dyslexia, Autism, CVA, and others, to focus on the essential elements of the website more easily.
• ADHD Friendly Mode: this mode helps users with ADHD and Neurodevelopmental disorders to read, browse, and focus on the main website elements more easily while significantly reducing distractions.
• Blindness Mode: this mode configures the website to be compatible with screen-readers such as JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and TalkBack. A screen-reader is software for blind users that is installed on a computer and smartphone, and websites must be compatible with it.
• Keyboard Navigation Profile (Motor-Impaired): this profile enables motor-impaired persons to operate the website using the keyboard Tab, Shift+Tab, and the Enter keys. Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.

Additional UI, design, and readability adjustments

• Font adjustments – users, can increase and decrease its size, change its family (type), adjust the spacing, alignment, line height, and more.
• Color adjustments – users can select various color contrast profiles such as light, dark, inverted, and monochrome. Additionally, users can swap color schemes of titles, texts, and backgrounds, with over 7 different coloring options.
• Animations – epileptic users can stop all running animations with the click of a button. Animations controlled by the interface include videos, GIFs, and CSS flashing transitions.
• Content highlighting – users can choose to emphasize important elements such as links and titles. They can also choose to highlight focused or hovered elements only.
• Audio muting – users with hearing devices may experience headaches or other issues due to automatic audio playing. This option lets users mute the entire website instantly.
• Cognitive disorders – we utilize a search engine that is linked to Wikipedia and Wiktionary, allowing people with cognitive disorders to decipher meanings of phrases, initials, slang, and others.
• Additional functions – we provide users the option to change cursor color and size, use a printing mode, enable a virtual keyboard, and many other functions.

Browser and assistive technology compatibility

We aim to support the widest array of browsers and assistive technologies as possible, so our users can choose the best fitting tools for them, with as few limitations as possible. Therefore, we have worked very hard to be able to support all major systems that comprise over 95% of the user market share including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, Opera and Microsoft Edge, JAWS and NVDA (screen readers), both for Windows and for MAC users.

Notes, comments, and feedback

Despite our very best efforts to allow anybody to adjust the website to their needs, there may still be pages or sections that are not fully accessible, are in the process of becoming accessible, or are lacking an adequate technological solution to make them accessible. Still, we are continually improving our accessibility, adding, updating and improving its options and features, and developing and adopting new technologies. All this is meant to reach the optimal level of accessibility, following technological advancements. For any assistance, please reach out to [email protected] .

• Privacy Overview
• Strictly Necessary Cookies

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

• 877-732-6837

20 Prompts for Journaling in an Addiction Treatment Center

Journaling is a therapeutic activity that’s actually used in our comprehensive addiction treatment programs. Journaling is the perfect therapeutic activity to complement our forms of intensive therapy at Royal Life Centers. Through journaling, guests are able to better connect with their emotions, record how they feel and react in the moment, and it provides introspective reflection. Guests often are unclear with their emotional state in addiction recovery, because the drugs have either numbed or intensified their emotions for a long time, once guests are detoxed they will have to work through how to feel and express emotions all over again. Journaling helps to bring guests closer to their emotions, allowing them to identify and record the emotion, their thoughts, and other insights. Because we believe in the positive change journaling can bring to our guests, we use this and other activity therapies to complement the addiction recovery process. Journaling will allow guests to look back on their writings and be able to gain insight later. It is the perfect tool to help facilitate self-reflection, and provides a timeline of progress once looked back over. Like most things, the most challenging part about journaling is to start. Often times, guests will express that they don’t know what to write about. To ease this concern, we have put together twenty different ways for you to start journaling in an addiction treatment center. Here are 20 prompts for journaling:

For this prompt, be sure to share your experience in recovery so far. Feel free to write about your recovery process in past attempts, and write about what is different now. What is your stance on recovery?

Be sure to include how your addiction started, how it’s made you feel, what it has impacted, who it has hurt, etc.

What do you hope to learn, understand, or move on from? What is one (or more) thing(s) that you hope to get out of being in addiction treatment?

Be sure to share as much information as possible. Who you were with, where you were, what you remember seeing, how you felt in the moment, what you did, etc.

Whether that be something intangible, like trust, or a material item like a house, car, etc.

Why do you think you wanted to escape reality as often as possible. This prompt is emotion-provoking, and extremely beneficial to the recovery process in order to gain insight. Make sure you share this with a trusted therapist to begin exploring into the points you bring up in this writing.

Whether that be a picture of your dog, dolphins swimming, your best friend. Anything goes!

This prompt goes along with prompt 7, and it will assist in self-exploration.

Picture you are giving advice to a child or a teenager, except that child or teenager is you before you got caught up in drugs or alcohol, what advice would you give them?

Fill yourself with gratitude! Sit down quietly for ten minutes and list as many things as you can think of.

What does unconditional love mean to you? What does it look like?

Is it something you see happening, is it a thought, is it a feeling? Explore your emotional reactions and what they are brought on by.

What were you doing? What were you thinking? Were you listening to music? If so, what song? Were you dressed up or down? Include all of the details you can think of.

The most urgently important questions you can think of. What do you need answers to as soon as possible?

To take this prompt a step further, you can actually mail this letter to yourself on a delay, so that you can read this letter to your future self, as your future self.

Write in-depth about your biggest fear and try to include where you think this fear stems from.

Feel free to list out dozens of options!

Add in as many details as possible. Include sensory details as well, what could you hear/taste/smell/feel/hear in that moment?

Is paradise an island in the middle of the wide open ocean, is it a treehouse in the dense jungle, is it a king-sized bed with silk sheets? What does paradise look like to you? What does it sound like? What does it feel like?

Would you have the same attributes? What would be the same, what would be different? What would your character be doing? What would your character be wearing? What would your character’s catch phrase be? Get creative! Above are 20 prompts for journaling in an addiction treatment center. Of course these prompts are best done in treatment for alcoholism or drug addiction, because many of these topics will evoke emotions. It is extremely important to be in a safe, protective place when you are engaging in anything emotion-provoking— including journaling. Alcohol or drug addiction treatment will provide intensive therapies, but sometimes you may just want to spend time doing self-exploration by yourself. These prompts are perfect to guide you to insight and understanding of who you are as a person, what you feel and think, and how you behave. Be aware of any alcohol or drug glorification, as that can trigger your cravings— although we believe self-exploration is a vital part of recovery from addiction, and sometimes you have to be honest with yourself and where you’re at in that process.

Our Treatment

At Royal Life Centers, we have addiction treatment programs that are designed to follow guests through the stages of the recovery process, offering guidance and support each step of the way. Royal Life Centers has treatment both inpatient and outpatient treatment options, including: medical detox, a residential inpatient program, a partial hospitalization program (PHP), an intensive outpatient program (IOP), an outpatient program (OP), sober living and graduate housing. In all of our treatment programs, we encourage therapeutic tools that aid the recovery process, including the using of the activity therapy we offer. In our activity therapy, we provide art therapy, journaling, and music therapy. Our highly-trained staff members will help guide you in the journaling process, but this list of prompts mentioned above are also helpful in getting you started. Reference: Tartakovsky, Margarita. “30 Journaling Prompts for Self-Reflection and Self-Discovery.” World of Psychology, PsychCentral, 8 July 2018, psychcentral.com/blog/30-journaling-prompts-for-self-reflection-and-self-discovery/. If you or a loved one is struggling with an addiction, and is seeking treatment, please reach out to us at (877)-RECOVERY or (877)-732-6837 . Our team is available to take your call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Because We Care.

Table of Contents

Muscle relaxers are a common choice of medication for those struggling with pain. However, many are left wondering, are muscle relaxers addictive? Whether using muscle

Are Blue Xanax Pills the Real Thing?  Xanax is a benzodiazepine that is often used to treat conditions such as anxiety, insomnia, and panic disorders.

Trauma flashbacks are a common side effect for those who struggle with PTSD. At Royal Life Centers, we specialize in healing military trauma. Our first

At Royal Life Centers, we strive to provide our guests with the most comprehensive recovery options possible. We often use holistic and unconventional therapies to

Over the years, veteran mental health services have become crucial for service members. PTSD and other mental health issues are a common occurrence among veterans.

As Xanax becomes an increasingly popular drug of abuse, many people have started looking for new ways to market and acquire this product. One of

TRUSTED & ACCREDITED ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTERS

CAREERS   |     CONTACT

ADMISSIONS DOES MY HEALTH INSURANCE COVER REHAB? OUR CLINICAL APPROACH ADDICTION RESOURCES

Privacy Policy

Proud member of

• Albuquerque Treatment Services
• Court Ordered Rehab
• Mental Health Rehab
• Long Term Rehab
• Rehab Family Program
• Residential Treatment Center
• Trauma Informed Practices
• Substance Use Disorders
• Mental Health Treatment
• Dual Diagnosis Disorders
• Alcohol Detox
• Benzodiazepine Detox
• Cocaine Detox
• Crack Detox
• Fentanyl Detox
• Heroin Detox
• Methadone Detox
• Opiate and Opioid Detox
• Prescription Drug Detox
• Stimulant Detox
• Vicodin Detox
• Albuquerque
• Acoma Pueblo
• Bernalillo County
• Cannon Air Force Base
• Holloman Air Force Base
• Jemez Pueblo
• Out of State
• Anthem Blue Cross
• Emblem Health
• Medicaid/Centennial Care
• NM Medical Insurance Pool
• Presbyterian
• VA Rehab Programs
• Western Sky
• (505)305-0902

• DUI Rehab Programs
• Cocaine Addiction Treatment
• Crack Addiction Treatment
• Fentanyl Rehab
• Heroin Addiction Treatment
• Kratom Addiction Treatment
• Prescription Drug Treatment
• Anger Management Rehab
• Anxiety Disorders
• Borderline Personality Disorder
• Grief Rehab
• IOP for Depression
• Rehab for Depression
• Inpatient Anorexia Treatment
• Inpatient Mental Health
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
• Personality Disorders
• Complex PTSD Treatment
• PTSD Inpatient Treatment
• PTSD IOP Programs
• Schizoaffective Disorders
• Stress Disorders
• Dual Diagnosis: Eating Disorders and Substance Abuse
• Alcohol Rehab Albuquerque
• Drug Rehab Albuquerque
• Inpatient and Residential Treatment
• Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)
• Outpatient Rehab Services
• Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
• Dodge City (KS)
• Big Spring (TX)
• Fort Bliss (Army)
• Oklahoma City
• IOP Santa Fe

Journal Prompts for Addiction Recovery

• Drug Addiction Addiction Pop Culture Staying Sober Top Blogs , blog , Addiction Treatment , For the Families , Fresh News , Recovery

Table of Contents

How to Make the Most of an Addiction Recovery Journal

When you start your recovery journey, you will likely find that you have a whole toolbox of new coping skills to implement. One of the best options in the addiction recovery process is journaling because it allows you to reflect on your experiences, emotions, hopes, and dreams. However, some people have a difficult time knowing where to start or what to write about. That is where these journal prompts for addiction recovery come in handy.

Icarus Behavioral Health believes in a holistic approach to the healing process. We are committed to equipping you with the tools you need to maintain sobriety for your drug or alcohol addiction.

Consider allowing us the privilege of teaching you how to make the most of a recovery journal under the guidance of our clinicians, and keep reading to learn more about the best means for starting this practice to aid your recovery efforts!

Looking at the Past to Move Forward

Sometimes, you have to look backward before you can start to move forward with your new life. While many people focus on realizations of negative things, it is also crucial to balance these with more positive aspects of recovery. For example, understanding when you were proud of yourself is just as crucial to recovery as finding out what contributed to your substance use.

Prompts for Examining and Moving through the Past

These journaling prompts will help you to think about what contributed to your addiction and how you can make the most of your current life.

• What events in your early life impacted your drug use or alcohol use?
• What has held you back from sobriety in the past?
• What dreams did you have for your life when you were younger?
• What was the hardest part of your childhood? What did you learn from it?
• When were you most proud of yourself in the past?
• What was it like the first time you felt like you were truly addicted to substances?
• Write a goodbye letter to your addiction and/or your past self about what you wish you knew back then.
• What was your biggest hangup with sobriety in the past? What is different now?
• What is one memory you will never forget (positive or negative)?
• What is the kindest thing someone has ever done for you?
• When have you felt the most positive about yourself and your accomplishments?

If something comes up for you while thinking about these prompts, consider writing about it. Any memory from your past could influence your present and future, so it is all fair game for your journal. Other exercises that our clients have found helpful include writing a letter to an alcoholic daughter or son, as well as writing a spouse or partner who is facing their own addiction issues.

24 Hour Detox and Treatment Helpline

Being in the present moment.

Of course, the present moment in your recovery journey is just as profound as looking at the past. It would help if you took the time to evaluate where you are right now and how you can help yourself along the path toward recovery.

Being better able to tolerate the present can be a crucial gift of addiction prompts in addiction recovery.

Journal Prompts to Help with Motivation and More

Take a look at some of these journaling prompts:

• Write a letter to your present self about where you are so that you can reflect back on it six months from now.
• Who is your biggest supporter in your recovery process?
• Who or what is your biggest trigger that could jeopardize your sobriety?
• What kind of help do you need to maintain personal accountability or sobriety? How can you reach out for that help?
• Are there any tough conversations you need to have with a loved one?
• When do you feel most at peace?
• Where do you feel most stuck in your addictions or emotional wellbeing?
• If you had not entered into recovery, what would you be doing right now?
• What are you learning about yourself through this process?
• What brings you joy or puts a smile on your face?
• What are you grateful for right now?
• What do you need to hear from your loved ones at the moment?
• What do you do well? What areas would you like to improve in?
• Describe yourself in ten words or less.
• How are you really doing, in this very moment?
• What advice would you give someone struggling with addiction right now?
• How does it feel to have someone truly listen to your struggles (could be a family member, a therapist, or peers)?
• What does self-care look like for you right now?

If something is bothering you right now, this is also a great thing to write about. Keep tabs on your feelings at all times with a journal.

Looking Toward the Future

To round out your entries, it is also important to look at addiction recovery journal prompts that focus on the future. Understanding who you want to be, what you will need moving forward, and how you can help yourself heal is crucial to the recovery process.

Journaling Prompts to Help Plan Your Recovery Journey

Consider these ideas for your recovery journal:

• Write a letter to your future self about where you would like to be.
• Where do you see yourself in five years? Ten years?
• What would you most like to read about yourself in the story of your life 50 years from now?
• What do you need to start saying no to?
• What areas can you lean into and start saying yes to more opportunities?
• What would you like to do tomorrow? One week from now? One month from now?
• Where will you be in five years if you don’t maintain your sobriety?
• Write about your dream life in the present tense, as if it has already happened.
• What are your goals for the next year (apart from sobriety)?
• Draft a thank you speech to deliver five years from now at your sobriety party with loved ones.
• How would you explain addiction to your grandchildren one day?
• What do you have hopes for in the future?
• What would your dream vacation be like?
• What do you need to do to be proud of yourself moving forward?
• If you feel stuck, how would you best move forward with your goals?

Anything that you can envision for your future is fair game to write about in your journal. Write down your wildest dreams, the goals that you feel too embarrassed to say out loud, and anything that could inspire you to maintain long-term sobriety.

What are the Benefits of Journal Prompts for Addiction Recovery?

While these journaling prompts are a great way to get started with your newfound sobriety, there are endless topics you could dive into. No matter what you choose to write about, there are clear benefits to journaling. Namely, it creates a sort of record for your addiction recovery journey.

You will get a very clear picture of what you were thinking and feeling on any given day. With several pages filled out in your journal, you will find that you can actually see and track your progress. You might even start to notice patterns that could trigger you to relapse into your addiction. Keeping up with this writing habit can promote mental health benefits.

Forming Healthy Habits and Long Term Goals

Another key benefit to recovery journaling is the ability to form a habit. Maintaining structure in your day-to-day life is key to staying sober. You can implement journaling as part of your addiction treatment, giving you an outlet for your emotions and creativity. Writing prompts can inspire you when you have no ideas but still want to do some reflecting on how you feel.

Not to mention, writing in a journal is a proven way to reduce mental health symptoms in conditions that frequently coexist with substance use. One research study showed that those with anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder had the greatest benefit from journaling at a 9 percent and 6 percent reduction of symptoms, respectively.

What to Do with Writer’s Block

If you find that these writing prompts simply are not inspiring you to keep up with your recovery journaling, it might be time to get creative. Writer’s block happens to the best of us, and you can overcome it. Here are some prompts that will get you thinking about your substance abuse treatment without requiring a lengthy journal entry.

• Find an inspirational quote about sobriety that resonates with your substance abuse treatment. Write down how it impacts you and why you connect to it.
• Write about any memory that comes to mind for you – from your childhood all the way up until yesterday.
• Revisit an old prompt that helped you to process important feelings.
• Doodle how you feel right now.
• Draw what you want your life to look like in the future.

When you are serious about journaling for your mental health, it is crucial that you do not let a case of writer’s block derail your progress. Following some of these journaling prompts can get you out of your head. It will help you to uncover where you are feeling stuck and help you make the next right move.

Dual Diagnosis and Trauma Programs

Starting your recovery journal at icarus.

There is no right or wrong way to start an addiction recovery journal to document your progress and help you process your emotions. It can also be a useful tool to go over what you write in your therapy sessions. You may uncover some hidden truths that were holding you back in your addiction recovery.

Icarus Behavioral Health wants to walk with you every step of the way. Connect with us to learn more about our services and the holistic approach we take to treatment. Our trained counselors can help you to kickstart your own recovery journal and start reaping the benefits.

Contact us today for a confidential consultation, and see what options Icarus can offer to help you find a lasting and fulfilling, clean and sober path of your own!

Share this post

Frank Montalvo

Related Posts

Traveling for Treatment

Looking outside local facilities for improved rehab services.

Psychiatrist vs. Psychologist

Looking closely at mental health professionals: phd vs md.

Treatment Frequently Asked Questions

Our top rehab faqs.

What to Pack for Treatment

Packing to be properly prepared for rehab.

Mental Health for Mothers

For many women, the arrival of a baby brings with it joy and excitement that can be hard to contain....

Looking Closer at Cocaine and its Effects

Taking a deep dive into the effects of cocaine.

Treatment that Considers Trauma

Icarus embraces a trauma informed treatment model.

SMART Recovery Meetings

SMART Recovery (Self-Management and Recovery Training) is an effective alternative to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). In this treatment modality, participants learn...

The Roots of Meth Psychosis

Pick a drug that people abuse, and the chances are high that some lasting form of emotional scar is attached...

What Are the Most Dangerous Drugs?

I started using drugs in high school and by the time I graduated college, I had used pretty much every...

Journaling Prompts That’ll Keep You Writing for Months

No, this isn’t homework. Though you may have only heard of journal prompts in the context of teachers giving assignments, think of this more like a personal journal. It won’t be graded, and that’s a promise.

Keeping a substance use journal can be a vital tool in achieving sobriety. Knowing your triggers to usage, and emotions before and after use and getting real with yourself about the root causes of your addiction can be a game-changer. Truly knowledge is power, and empowering yourself with awareness of your own feelings and behaviors can help you to self-reflect and make important decisions when the going gets tough.

Starting an addiction recovery journal can seem daunting. If you’re looking for a place to begin, here are enough addiction treatment journal prompts to keep you reflecting for weeks, along with some tips to keep writing once you’ve gone through the prompts. 

Grab your journal and get started on one of the below prompts today!

• What does your dream life look like?
• What is an aspiration you had when you were younger?
• What is a manageable goal you want to accomplish in the next year?
• What is a manageable goal you want to accomplish within the next five years?
• Who has a life you admire, and why?
• Write about someone you know who has overcome a lot of challenges.
• Create a story with yourself as the main character. What do you achieve?
• Write a description of the celebration your friends and family throw you to toast to 5 years of sobriety.
• Write a thank you speech to all those who have helped you in your journey. Remember to thank yourself.
• If you were asked to give a motivational speech to people struggling with addiction, what advice would you give them?
• Write about the best parts of your childhood.
• Write about the hardest parts of your childhood, and what you learned from them.
• When was a time you had a vivid revelation, a time you learned something profound about yourself or the world?
• How do you determine whether someone is trustworthy?
• Write about the kindest thing someone has done for you.
• If you could come to a sense of peace about one event in your past, what would it be?
• Write about a time when addiction recovery taught you a valuable lesson.
• How would you explain addiction to someone who has never experienced it before?
• Why is generosity important?
• If you need to remove someone from your life who jeopardizes your sobriety, what would you say to that person?
• Picture yourself many years from now talking to children, grandchildren or great-grandchildren about addiction. How would you explain your experiences to a child?
• When you think of the word “shame,” what comes to mind?
• What gives you a sense of hope?
• How did your younger self-deal with worry and how has that changed?
• Write about the benefits of sharing your experience, like with your mental health professional. How does it feel to be listened to?
• What was your outlook on life when you were younger?
• What is your outlook on life currently?
• Write about your self-care routine.
• Why is self-care important for addiction recovery?
• If you were to take a month-long, all-expenses-paid vacation, describe how it would look.
• If your addiction were a character, how would it look, talk and behave?
• Can you remember the point when you first felt like you were addicted to a substance?
• Describe your body or your personality. How does it make you feel?
• When did you feel best about yourself?
• How have the relationships in your life impacted your sobriety?
• If a book was written that truly helped you in your recovery, what would that book be about?
• What would it take to feel proud of yourself?

Staying consistent with your journaling

More addiction recovery journaling prompts are easy to find. Although many of the above prompts are specifically tailored to address addiction and recovery, most journaling prompts can be geared to fit your recovery journey. As the writer, you get to decide where the topic is headed. A simple internet search can bring up hundreds more writing prompts for your journal.

If you’re still having writer’s block, try the following techniques to get the ideas flowing:

• Search for quotes. Write about whether or not you agree with the quote and why. Then, write about how the quote could be applied to addiction and recovery
• Write about a memory from before your usage. Even if the memory doesn’t involve substances, write about how it relates to the path of your life
• Write about your wildest life goals and try out “solution-based therapy.” This type of therapy focuses on getting a person to see the ideal future. Once that’s in front of your eyes it’s easier to be motivated about the steps you need to take to get there. If it’s helpful, roll with it and get more specific. Write about what your daily routine would look like in a perfect world, or how you could talk about your addiction recovery journey looking back on it
• Write about one of the prompts again. If you’re going down the list and it’s been at least a month since you last wrote about it, feel free to draft an updated journal entry. Fulfill the prompt again and see how your thoughts have changed

The addiction treatment you deserve

Keeping a recovery journal can be an important step in your journey. Whether you’ve already started one or are just beginning now, these prompts can help guide you to the freedom of sobriety through understanding your emotions, your past and your goals. As always, discuss your thoughts with your mental health professional at Freedom Detox. Your therapist can give you more ideas, support and encouragement in your journaling and remind you that all the work you do is making a difference.

Addiction recovery journals go a long way toward helping you cope productively with substance use challenges. However, journaling in itself — although very successful in helping you process thoughts and feelings — should never replace clinical treatment. If you or someone you love is struggling with substance use habits, know that Freedom Detox can help.

Related articles

Inspiration and Affirmations in Addiction Recovery

Sharing Addiction Recovery Stories

Scary Sobriety: Identifying and Confronting the Fears of Addiction Recovery

We understand this can be a stressful time., let us help answer your detox questions..

What Is Detox?

Detox is the removal of drugs or alcohol from the body. We offer affordable detox to help you do the hard work, comfortably.

learn about our treatments

Why Medical Detox?

Detoxing from addictive substances can be challenging. We offer you a safe space and medically trained staff to help you through your process.

how we help

What Are the Benefits of Detox?

Detox is the first step to a sober life. After detox you will be able to rebuild your relationship with not only the people around you, but with yourself.

We Go The Extra Mile For Your

Contact us today to regain your freedom and start your life of sobriety.

Freedom Detox’s Promise to You

We Care About Our Clients

Our center is one of the only accredited and certified free-standing detox centers in North Carolina. We pride ourselves not only on this accomplishment, but also in the way it is reflected in the care of our patients.

Customized Treatment Plans

We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. We meet with each client and customize an individualized course of action to ensure that all of their needs are met.

State of the Art Amenities

Our team wants to ensure that you are comfortable throughout your entire detox process, so we offer a wide array of amenities to make your stay with us as comfortable as possible.

We Do More Than Just Help You Detox.

Read reviews from past clients who have taken their first step to sobriety at Freedom Detox.

“Freedom Detox gave me a new outlook on being ‘Free.’”

“The love, time, and care y’all give is amazing, and I couldn’t be more grateful, and thankful.”

“I’ll never forget the time you guys spent with me.”

“You guys gave me hope.”

“You brought me back to reality.”

“This “family” of folks will always have a special place in my heart.”

Contact Us Today

We are available 24/7.

" * " indicates required fields

We’ll Help You on Your Path to Sobriety.

Let our team help your loved one.

Freedom Detox is here to serve everyone, whether you want to find help for a family member, friend, or yourself.

Our team knows how much pain a person’s addiction can bring to their family members or friends who feel powerless to help. Plenty of people have had to watch those they love suffer a life of addiction and substance abuse, and no one else should have to live through that struggle.

One of the most selfless things you can do to help your loved one is to seek help when they can’t do it themselves. Our team has experience with taking in addicted clients and can help establish mutual trust so they feel safe with us.

We Are Here for You

Contact our team 24/7.

Call Toll-Free (800) 475-2312

Freedom Detox

1089 X-Ray Drive Gastonia, NC 28054 [+] Get Directions

Google Ad Extension 704-327-3464‬

Quick Links

The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as medical advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, a doctor-patient relationship.