Living with addictions means dealing with some very intense, very difficult emotions, including the sadness, fear and anger we’ve been carrying for many years. When we don’t have healthy ways of processing our emotions, we often turn to substances and addictive behaviors. Writing can be a powerful way to handle our emotions and is a very healthy coping mechanism. It is productive and empowering rather than self-destructive. It can help us to uplift ourselves rather than continue to bring ourselves down.
If you’ve never written before, you might not know where to start. One of the beautiful things about writing is that there is no right or wrong way to go about it. You can start wherever you want, with whatever resonates for you. You can write about your fears. You can write about the painful thoughts that you feel haunted by. You can write about the difficult emotions you feel are weighing you down. You can write about your hopes, dreams and goals. You can write about the healing intentions you want to set for yourself. There are no strict guidelines to follow, and there are no prerequisites to getting started. You might feel scared to face whatever comes out, but be brave. The process of dealing with our inner selves is difficult and scary, but so worth every bit of energy we can put into it.
Our recovery really asks that we get to know ourselves. Writing can provide us with the safe space to do that. Talking to other people can be difficult, intimidating and scary. Writing is very personal and allows us to go within, to connect with ourselves in a powerful way.
You can try using writing prompts to help you get started:
What are my fears? Where did they come from? Did I learn them from somewhere or someone?
What are my unhealed wounds? How do they make me feel? What caused these wounds?
What were my traumatic experiences? How has my trauma affected me over the years?
We can use writing to delve deep into the healing process:
How can I let go?
How can I release?
How can I forgive?
How can I make peace with my past?
How can I make amends?
We can allow writing to help us explore our inner selves:
Do I love myself?
Do I believe in myself?
Who am I?
What is my purpose?
What are my gifts and talents?
Writing is one of many healing tools you can take advantage of in your recovery. Call (800) 871-5440 for information on how Riverside Recovery can support you.