How To Write Your Addiction Story: Craft & Share Success

It's a good idea not to spend too much time telling this part of your story, but try to think about the main highlights you could share, such as being in and out of treatment centers, going to the hospital for overdoses, or being arrested. She has dedicated the last 30 years of her life to learning from people who have mental health issues; discovering the simple, safe, non-invasive ways they get well, stay well, and move forward in their lives; and then sharing what she has learned with others through keynote addresses, trainings, and the development of books, curriculums, and other resources. For some, it is a lifelong battle. Have you ever struggled with telling your recovery story? One of our alumni shared a particularly painful moment when he used heroin in front of his mom out of desperation. At Gateway in Chicago, Illinois, we're here to help you break free from a life of addiction. Make sure he knows you love him and that you'll always be there when he calls. I always ask why the group is inviting me, so I can accomplish their purpose, not just mine. Sometimes, I'll break the silence by asking a question. Because we no longer live in the pain of the past, but in the hope of today and tomorrow. Those of us who enter a 12 step recovery program such as AA and NA may eventually be charged with the task of telling our stories to others. If I wear a tee shirt, it will be a bright one with a nice design. Time is a natural organizing principle for a story. And remember, if you are feeling ashamed about mistakes made and damage done during your using days, you are not your disease.

1. Telling your recovery story worksheet printable
2. Telling your recovery story worksheet instructions
3. Telling your recovery story worksheet online
4. Writing your recovery story worksheets

Telling Your Recovery Story Worksheet Printable

Someone might want what I'm taking because I'm doing well, and it just doesn't work that way. Have you learned anything new about yourself now that you're in the recovery process? How to Tell Your Recovery Story. Are you making it seem like using drugs was fun and exciting? When you share your story, be sure to include what you are doing in the present moment to stay sober.

If there are certain things in your childhood that have created long-standing emotional burdens for you, then there is no harm in mentioning these; however, be careful not to make them the entire focus of your past. No one can argue with those. Telling your story is the task at hand. Tell the group how it feels to hear at times when you really can't do things. Same with all 4s and one 5. Assume you were invited because someone wanted to hear your ideas. Taking the time to prepare will help you feel more confident and if you struggle with stage fright, this is a big deal! Below, experts at Hazelden Betty Ford's Connection™ recovery coaching program answer frequently asked questions about this reconciliation process and why it's so vital to addiction recovery and spiritual health. If they don't like what their doctor says, they should seek a second opinion from another doctor. Many develop addiction in the military. I arrange the topics in order. Think carefully about which details you're comfortable sharing.

Telling Your Recovery Story Worksheet Instructions

People won't miss what you leave out. Openly sharing thoughts and experiences in regards to your sobriety will also encourage accountability among yourself and those that you share with. When those we've hurt are not able or willing to accept our amends, we can still move in a positive general direction by taking intentional steps to be of service to others or making living amends. Drug Addiction Treatment. Call Eudaimonia Recovery Homes today to learn more about our Austin sober living homes for men and women or check out this powerful story of addiction and recovery from one of our alumni members. If there was a specific step within the program that was particularly helpful to you, be sure to mention exactly what it was. Who helped or supported you during your recovery journey? You don't have to share your full name if you don't want to. So if life has been hard on you, yet you have managed to survive, be honest about this. And write the words BIG, so you don't have to look hard to read them, and not too many words on a card. And don't wait until the night before. Don't feel like you have to water down your story. You may even want to give your sobriety date when you very first begin telling your story, then recall it again when you get to it. Taking these actions helps us to separate ourselves from the disease of addiction.

Use a microphone if you need to. When sharing your story, be sure to emphasize your progress without being afraid of oversharing in AA. I don't have to be perfect or reach everybody. Over time, as you strengthen and deepen your recovery from addiction, you will undoubtedly revisit Steps 8 and 9 many times. Understanding is all he's asking for, but suggesting a family support group can't hurt and might help. You overcame everything, showed up and did it. I say that IN MY EXPERIENCE both extremes are wrong. What was the first step in moving from where you were to where you are now? If you use a VCR, show up early enough to make sure it's working and cued to start where you want it. Instead, he uses it as a way to illustrate what "rock bottom" looked like for him and how his life has changed since then. This includes your family, friends, therapist, sponsor, 12-step group, and anyone else who has helped you on your journey.

Telling Your Recovery Story Worksheet Online

The quick answer is, "Don't give up hope. Also, we might owe amends to people we can't reach. For example, we might intend to go to a friend's birthday party, but in actuality, we fail to show up for the event. You reached each of those people, even if they come up to question or disagree with something. Be sure to mention the importance of these programs in your story.

Recovery is a journey of growth. If your friend or the audience points out a problem in your delivery, you'll think about it next time. Despite the bravery required, we DO share our stories.

Writing Your Recovery Story Worksheets

To find out more about our licensed drug addiction rehab center, call 877. For all, it will provide a transition between what things were like and what things are like now. If making an amends means exposing ourselves to triggering environments, we ought to reconsider and discuss healthy alternatives with a sponsor or addiction counselor. What came first, what happened next, and what happened after that? I'll illustrate helpful and hurtful things with anecdotes from my life or someone I know. Of course, those of us who look back at our lives in addiction and recovery will often recall that recovery was something of an uphill battle at first. Medicine stopped me from being sick, but I had to make myself well (recovery and lifestyle issues). This is a rare opportunity to let people in, let them get to know you. Step 9: Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others. You are, after all, telling a story about addiction and recovery.

Or a question from someone who thinks the whole brain chemical idea is wrong, and mental illness has nothing to do with chemistry. Or else, bring someone with you who's actually done it before, not someone who knows computers and thinks Power Point is easy. The high points of your recovery. Vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=". They tell your audience that you care enough about them to prepare in advance. What did you experience in treatment? This may not be the most glamorous detail, but it is an important one. But instead of a laundry list of complaints, you will be focusing the discussion on the ways in which recovery has made it easier for you to deal with these issues.

For some people, the prospect of doing this may be very scary and foreign. She is the original author of the WRAP Red Book, as well as dozens of other WRAP books and materials. Maybe they're just moved by what you say and don't know what to say. For those who would like a few recommendations on how to share, here are a few key suggestions. PloS one, 14(3), e0214678. We help those with substance abuse disorders understand their addiction and develop vital coping skills so they can move on to lead productive, fulfilling lives.

But by prioritizing your recovery on a daily basis and doing whatever that next right thing might be for you, you will keep moving forward in living a life of good purpose.