Authors: Amy R. Krentzman, MSW, PhD and Bonnie M. Horgos, MSW
Published: July 2022
In this three-part module, we describe the role of journaling to support addiction recovery. We present a novel journaling intervention, Positive Recovery Journaling, including the background research that informed it, the details of its component parts, and the results of two pilot research studies that tested it. In conclusion, we discuss the implications of our study results, and its potential for social work, addictions treatment, and child welfare practice. We include a bonus segment on the role of gratitude in addiction recovery.
Watch the Module
Part 1 Positive Recovery Journaling
Part one provides a definition of journaling and a number of popular examples, the elements common to all forms of journaling, background research on journaling, and an introduction to Positive Recovery Journaling, a journaling practice created by Dr. Krentzman specifically to support recovery from addiction.
Part 2 Two Studies of Positive Recovery Journaling
Part two of this module series provides a description of two pilot studies of Positive Recovery Journaling.
Part 3 Implications for Child Welfare Practice
Part three of this module series provides conclusions based on the two studies of Positive Recovery Journaling, implications of these study results for social work practice and work in the field of addictions, as well as possible applications for using Positive Recovery Journaling in other aspects of child welfare practice. Included in Part three is a bonus segment on the ways in which gratitude supports addiction recovery.