project oneself in a positive future.
• To reinforce appropriate self-supportive behavior.
Directions
1. Discuss writing a letter to oneself. This letter will have advice the client would like to give him- or herself in the future. Review a list of potential topics for the letters. These might include positive reinforcing feelings, observations, reassurance, recollections, reminders, things learned in treatment, or affirmations.
2. Have participants compose a personal letter, not to be shared with the group, to give themselves supportive feedback and encouragement.
3. Ask participants to address the letter to themselves, sign it, and date it with today’s date.
4. Gather letters and mail them at a future date. This can be a few days after the individual leaves residential treatment or in a few weeks.
Observations
This activity was conducted several times, with and without the handout and with and without fancy stationery. It was so well received that stationery, cards, and stamps are kept on hand as a special reward to those who have exceeded performance. A variation for this activity is to construct a “Time Capsule of Letters” that are held for thirty days prior to mailing.
Inspired by: The satisfaction of getting personal mail.
Letter to Me HANDOUT
Questions to Consider When Writing Letter to Self
What would you like to say to your future self about your recovery?
What are four reasons you should avoid alcohol or other drugs?
What advice can you give yourself about what to do if you feel like using?
What do you want your future self to be like a year from now?
What dreams and goals do you have for yourself?
What would you like to accomplish in life? Think about your personal life, career, finances, love, health, and personal growth.
What positive change would you like to see in yourself?
What will help you to cope with difficulties?
What are three things you can say to encourage yourself if you get down?
Mantra
Location: Indoors
Time: 30 minutes
Materials: 3" × 5" index cards
Drawing paper
Pens, pencils, or markers
Optional: decorating materials
Mantra Handout (one per person)
Objectives
• To find a simple, yet personally meaningful, word that one can intentionally return to as a reminder to stay in recovery.
• To develop an additional coping skill to manage anxiety.
Directions
1. Discuss briefly that there are many ways we can focus and manage stress, anxiety, or cravings.
2. Invite participants to turn their attention inward to explore various ways in which a single word or mantra can resonate in a lasting way. Explain that mantras are words or phrases that are chanted aloud or to oneself to help with grounding, calming, or meditation. Offer some examples, such as ohm or Follow your path to the group so they can better understand what is expected.
3. Ask participants to think of a word that can quickly and easily remind them of their own inner strength to maintain recovery.
4. Instruct participants to write their chosen mantra on an index card and then illustrate a larger image to share with the group.
5. Once everyone is finished, invite volunteers to share their work with the group.
HOPE mantra
Observations
Initially, individuals in the group had some difficulties understanding the concept but with some explanation, the concept became simple. Each participant was invited to explain which word she chose, many of which were individual in nature. One participant described her mantra as “pull out,” the place on the road to stop a runaway truck, and explained how focusing on that phrase would intercept her potential relapse. Another participant created the word order out of letters that spelled chaos. Overall, the activity was surprising, entertaining, and pleasant. Six months later, in a chance encounter, one client stated this had helped her avoid relapse. The Mantra Handout was created by clients in one of the groups.
Inspired by: Eastern meditation practices and grounding activities.
PATIENCE mantra
Mantra HANDOUT
Use one of these personal mantra suggestions or create your own.
ability
achievement
ambition
beauty
becoming
beginning
Bible
birth
Lord
peace
phoenix
present
prayer
protection
castle
center
change
choice
clean
conviction
definitely
dream
