Worksheet

The Ten Essential Traits of Recovery

Ten core traits of a durable recovery, from a solid foundation to trigger awareness and staying connected, each with prompts clients can work through.

  • Format: Printable PDF worksheet.
  • Best for: In-session work or between-session practice.
  • Population: Clients with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.
  • Author: Hal Baumchen, PsyD, LP, LADC.
Subscriber access required

Unlock For $10 Per Month All Access Plan

Already a subscriber? log in

Already a member? Log in

This worksheet introduces the ten essential traits for maintaining long-term recovery: honesty, awareness, gratitude, positivity, connection, determination, intentionality, balance, strength, and hope. Each trait is designed to guide individuals through their recovery journey by focusing on building a strong foundation, identifying triggers, staying connected to supportive people, and developing a positive and determined attitude. By reflecting on these traits and applying them, clients can continue moving forward with confidence and self-awareness, while also creating a supportive and balanced life. The worksheet encourages self-reflection, helping individuals identify their strengths and areas for improvement in their recovery.

Written by clinical psychologist Dr. Hal Baumchen, PsyD, LP, LADC, this printable PDF worksheet gives clinicians a practical, session-ready tool. The conversational, encouraging tone makes clinical concepts accessible to clients at any stage of recovery, while structured prompts keep the work focused and productive.

How clinicians use it: as an in-session exercise to open and structure discussion, as between-session homework to reinforce skills, as a progress tool to track growth over time, and as part of a treatment unit paired with the companion lesson and PowerPoint on this topic. Formatted for easy printing and immediate use in individual or group settings.