Arts >> Books >> Nonfiction

How to Write a Recovery Story

A recovery story is used to describe a story told by recovering addicts (whether the addiction is to alcohol, drugs, sex, gambling, etc.) and shared with other recovering addicts to help aid in the process of recovery. Recovery stories also act as a catharsis for those who write them. By writing and sharing your recovery story as honestly as you can, you are not only reminding yourself of the daily struggles necessary to stay in recovery, but you may be helping to save someone else's life.

Things You'll Need

  • Pen
  • Paper
  • Computer
  • Word-processing software
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Introduce yourself in the first paragraph or two. Let readers know who you are and state your addiction, along with your recovery time, in the first paragraph of the story.

    • 2

      Write about your life and cover your first experience with your addiction in detail. Let readers know what it felt like to experience it. Many recovering addicts keep a journal as part of their treatment. Refer to your journal for details you can use. Let readers know in detail about the first time you realized your addiction was a problem.

    • 3

      Write honestly. Chances are your addiction made you do things you aren't proud of. The more forthright you are, the more effective your story will be. Addiction is an ugly disease that makes people do ugly things. If you lost your job and family or committed criminal acts because of your addiction, say so. Do not leave it out.

    • 4

      Detail for readers your road to recovery. Let them know when you reached your bottom and what it was. Write about the recovery process, including any treatment centers you attended, any jail time you served or time in a mental institution.

    • 5

      Outline your recovery program. This is maybe the most important part of the story. How do you stay clean (away from your addictions) on a daily basis. While your recovery program may not work for everyone, reading about it may give other recovering addicts hope and a chance to live a clean and healthy life as well.

Nonfiction

Related Categories