There are many recovery memoirs out there. Many addicts find that they latch onto the story of someone else; that they find similar voices in the stories they read. For some, the first inklings of desired sobriety might start with reading about an inspiring journey to recovery. For others, it’s not until they gain some perspective through self-evaluation, which can be done through the therapeutic process of writing.
But in another way, writing can help you with rehab. Writing can illuminate the thoughts you never knew you had, and produce clarity where your mind felt muddled. In recovery, simply writing down the things you have gratitude for is a great way to start writing. Try writing down 5 things you are grateful for, once a day. You may find that you want to continue writing, beyond the simple things you’ve written down.
Writing prompts can be a great way to get started. It’s a way of writing freely; of simply getting some thoughts down on paper.
Some examples of writing prompts might include:
-Write about what you hear, see, and smell in this present moment.
-Write a letter to yourself as a child.
-What would life be like if you were completely recovered? What would a typical day be like?
Some famous works about recovery include:
-Blackout by Sarah Hepola
-Drinking: A Love Story by Caroline Knapp
-Dry by Angeles Diaries by James Brown
It’s surprising to find out just how many actresses, celebrities, and famous writers have gone through recovery. Notably, Stephen King, Ben Affleck, Bradley Cooper, Nicole Richie, Drew Barrymore, and many others. We’re lucky that we live in a time where claiming a recovery story becomes a point of strength—a way to own the experience and keep it as a fabric of our identity. You don’t have to publish your story to the world, but writing for yourself can be both a weapon in recovery and a way of reminding yourself why you’re healing in the first place.
