Many enter rehab not knowing what to expect from addiction recovery. Concerned with a desire to be free from drugs and alcohol these people are open to many avenues of treatment. One way that rehab facilities assist recovering addicts is through journaling, also known as writing therapy.
What is Journaling?
Journaling is writing about thoughts, feelings, or events with the purpose of releasing tension and emotions. Some journal to rehash events and bring closure to the day. Others journal in the morning to set the tone for the day.
Methods of Journaling
There are many methods of journaling available in rehab and post-rehab.
- Expressive Writing: Writing about a traumatic event either in a group or private setting.
- Group Writing: A counselor gives a writing prompt and the whole group writes on the topic.
- Internet Writing Therapy: A therapist chats with the client online about a specific event.
All these forms of journaling have a common thread; writing as expression for healing. This means writing without concern for grammar or punctuation. There is no need to focus on sentence structure. Journaling is for expression of self and healing from trauma. Many times journaling is the key to recognizing traumatic situations for what they are instead of disassociating from the event.
Benefits of Journaling Towards Freedom from Drugs
Those who begin writing therapy notice benefits early in the practice as do the counselors offering the treatment. Benefits include:
- Relief of Tension: It is easy to withhold emotions from others and from self. But when one practices stuffing emotions it can cause addictions and disease.
- Clarity: Journaling often brings clarity to situations and how one handles those situations.
- Better Communication: By sharing a writing exercise in group therapy, it promotes better interaction and discussion among the members.
- Increased Self-esteem: Sharing one’s experiences without being judged helps to build self-confidence.
- Co-therapy:Journaling can help bring understanding to other forms of therapy. A recovering addict may use a journal with the 12-Step program to review thoughts and actions daily.
Journal Towards Freedom from Drugs Confidentially
Writing therapy is a personal journey of healing. While in a safe group setting it’s normal to share entries from a journal. But outside the group it is important to keep anonymity.
Keep the journal in a place where others cannot find it. Expressive writing is uncensored to help the patient work through difficult events. It should not be read unless the patient wants to share those memories and associated emotions.
Keep everything written as it will give a basis of recovery. Review past entries to spark new writings and see progress. It is common to find emotions have changed over time.
Are You Looking for Freedom from Drugs?
Ready to gain freedom from drugs? Interested in journaling as a method of healing? Contact Aion Recovery today at 888-811-2879. Aion Recovery is here to help.
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