Journaling is one of the most therapeutic tools for recovery and introspection. It allows for self-reflection, and can be utilized at any time. This is why it is a powerful aid for those who are going through their journey of rehabilitation and recovery from addiction. Keeping a notebook during this stressful time can reduce anxiety and help provide clarity as to the source of frustration or of certain feelings. The list of benefits you receive from journaling is long, but some of the most prominent benefits will be explained in this blog post.
The first benefit of journaling, especially for addicts, is the repetitive nature it has. Replacing a negative repetitive behavior with a positive one encourages stability. Problems become processed in a healthy manner instead of pushed down by the use of substances. It also allows users to know themselves more deeply, and identify the roots of certain mental hang-ups. For instance, writers often begin to notice patterns or triggers that make them feel like picking up a drug and using. Another reason journaling is so powerful for addicted patients is that it allows a private release of feelings. This is just as significant for times of grief and despair as it is for happiness and joy. If you are worried that your thoughts will be read, online journaling in a private document is an alternative to paper and pen. Journaling is especially important for those who feel misunderstood or that they cannot be open about their feelings, since it can be as private or as public as you would like. When there are feelings of shame or guilt involved, this can be an easier way to transcribe them than to say them out loud.
There are many different types of journaling approaches you can take as a recovering addict. One of the most classic ways is daily journaling all of your experiences. This may include: people you have interacted with, things that were stressful, or times you were really happy. Daily journaling allows for a systematic way to “declutter” your brain. If this type of journaling is overwhelming, a gratitude journal is another way you can quickly and succinctly keep track of your feelings. Most people have a list of five things that they are happy for daily, which still encourages a positive habit, but requires much less time.
By analyzing the progress made in a journal, you can watch all of the ups and downs of your rehabilitation journey. It allows you to understand where you can improve, and what situations are not beneficial for your treatment. Journaling can be an excellent aid in your treatment, and at Asana Recovery, we encourage all of our patients to use writing as an outlet they can transcribe their feelings on healing. Early in sobriety, you may notice your notes are less coherent and are a tangle of emotions, but as it progresses life will begin to make more sense. You will see that you are healing, which in turn promotes more healing, and the process of journaling will play a monumental role in your perception of progress. To get enrolled in one of our programs today, visit us on our website.
