Staying Sober Add-On to JournalLife Helps with Alcohol Addiction

Are you trying to give up a drug or alcohol addiction—and continue to stay sober?  Keeping a journal is a great way to help keep you on track—on its own or as a complement to a treatment program.

Dr. Dennis Daley, Chief of Addiction Medicine Services, and an Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center brings his wide knowledge, experience, and success in working with thousands of  clients to the Staying Sober and Preventing Relapse Add-On.

Dr. Daley, author of the JournalLife Staying Sober Add-On says, “Recovery from drug and alcohol addiction requires hard work, a proper attitude and learning skills to stay sober, not drinking alcohol or using other drugs.  Successful drug recovery or alcohol recovery involves changing attitudes, acquiring knowledge, and developing skills to meet the many challenges of sobriety.  JournalLife with the Staying Sober and Preventing Relapse Add-On is an easy-to-learn, easy-to-use, and effective tool to reflect upon your experiences and focus on positive change strategies for overcoming addition. The program is holistic and comprehensive in its approach to drug recovery and alcohol recovery, recognizing the importance of physical, psychological, social and spiritual components.”

An Add-On consists of dozens of Prompts, hundreds of selected Quotes, 50 Tips, extra Topics in the Topics List, and suggested default Daily Pulse Scales and Journal Types.

Here are samples of Prompts and Tips that Dr. Dennis Daley has created and Quotes that he has selected for the Stay Sober Add-On:

Sample Quotes:

• “Recovery is more than abstinence from substances: it involves changing yourself and your lifestyle.”-Dr. Dennis Daley
• “Growth begins when we start to accept our own weakness.”-Jean Vanier

Prompts:

• How would you know if you are headed towards a relapse? What are the warning signs?
• Do you think alcohol or other drugs, or partying, have become too important in your life? Explain your answer.

Sample Tips:

• The first three months of recovery are usually the most difficult and represent the highest risk period for relapse. Your body has to adjust to being alcohol or drug free. Your mind has to think differently and not let “addictive” thoughts lead you back to using. You also have to get used to situations where you are pressured to use alcohol or other drugs. And, you have to modify your lifestyle so you get satisfaction from non-substance activities.
• Recovery is not a solo effort. Getting support from others helps you through difficult times and keeps you connected.