Exploring Your Relationship with Substances
Take a moment to breathe, grab your favorite pen or open a journal, and get honest with yourself.
There’s no right or wrong—just curiosity and care.
1. When did my relationship with drinking or other substances begin, and what was going on in my life at the time?
Reflect on your first memories. Was it celebration? Escape? Belonging? Understanding the origins can help unravel current patterns.
2. What emotions or situations make me most likely to reach for a drink or other substance?
Loneliness? Boredom? Stress? Social settings? Pinpointing these triggers can open the door to new coping strategies.
3. After I use, how do I feel—emotionally, physically, spiritually?
Be honest with yourself. Do you feel joy, guilt, connection, or isolation? Does it lift you up or leave you feeling heavy?
4. What would my life look like with less reliance on substances?
Imagine weekends, friendships, dates, and quiet nights. Would you feel clearer, more energized, more present?
5. What’s one small shift I could try this week to check in with myself before using?
Examples:
o A mindful pause before your first drink.
o Choosing one social event to attend sober.
o Swapping one drink for a non‑alcoholic option.
o Journaling your feelings before or after.
You don’t have to change everything overnight—just get curious. You deserve joy and connection in every chapter of life.