What Is A Sobriety Journal?
For some people, journaling is a way to capture thoughts and feelings on paper. But did you know that journaling can also be a powerful tool for helping you stay sober?
In this post, we’ll discuss what a sobriety journal is, how it can be one of the ways to help you stop drinking, and how it can help you stay on track in your recovery. If you’re looking for an added layer of support in your recovery journey, keep reading.
What Is A Sobriety Journal, And Why Do People Use Them?
A sobriety journal is simply a journal that you use to track your thoughts and progress in recovery. This can be an online journal, a handwritten journal, or even a series of audio recordings.
People use sobriety journals for a variety of reasons. Some people use them to stay accountable to themselves, while others find that writing (or recording) their thoughts helps them process difficult emotions and experiences.
Sobriety journals can also be a helpful tool for identifying triggers and patterns of behavior. If you find yourself repeatedly relapsing, journaling can help you to identify the root cause of your relapse so that you can address it head-on.
How Do You Start A Sobriety Journal?
Starting a sobriety journal is easy! All you need is a blank notebook or a computer with a word processing program.
If you’re not sure what to write about, start by answering the following questions:
- What are my thoughts and feelings today?
- What triggers have I encountered today (if any)?
- How did I respond to my triggers?
- What was good about today?
- What was challenging about today?
- What am I grateful for?
You can also use your sobriety journal as a way to track your progress over time. Every week or month, take some time to look back at your previous entries and reflect on how far you’ve come.
How To Use A Sobriety Journal
There is no right or wrong way to use a sobriety journal. Some people like to write in their journal daily, while others only write when they’re feeling triggered or struggling with recovery.
If you’re new to journaling, setting aside 10-15 minutes each day to write is a good place to start. During this time, you can write about anything that’s on your mind – there are no rules!
As you get more comfortable journaling, you may want to write for longer periods or explore more difficult topics. Just go at your own pace and let the journal be a tool for self-exploration and growth.
Sobriety journals can be an incredibly powerful tool in recovery. If you’re struggling with addiction, consider giving journaling a try.
What Should You Include In A Sobriety Journal?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question – it depends on what you want to get out of your journaling practice. However, there are a few things that you may want to include:
- Reflections on your progress in recovery
- Thoughts and feelings about sobriety
- Memories of using drugs or alcohol
- Triggers for relapse
- Coping mechanisms for difficult situations
- Gratitude for your sobriety
If you’re unsure where to start, try including some (or all) of the above topics in your journal entries. Remember, there are no rules – just let the journal be a space for you to express yourself freely.
The Benefits Of Keeping A Sobriety Journal
There are many benefits to keeping a sobriety journal, including:
- Increased self-awareness: Sobriety journals can help you to become more aware of your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This increased self-awareness can be very helpful in preventing relapse.
- Improved mental health: Journaling has been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. If you’re struggling with mental health issues, journaling may help you to feel better.
- Greater clarity and direction: Sobriety journals can help you to gain clarity on your goals and what you want out of life. If you’re feeling lost or stuck, journaling may help you to find your way.
- A sense of accomplishment: Every time you write in your sobriety journal, you’ll be reminded of how far you’ve come. This can give you a much-needed sense of accomplishment and pride in your sobriety.
If you’re looking for a way to improve your recovery, consider starting a sobriety journal. Just a few minutes of writing each day could make a big difference in your life.
