This 4-page guide explores the profound effects of addiction on an individual’s identity, highlighting how substance use can overshadow personal values, relationships, and aspirations. It provides insights into the process of rebuilding a positive identity in recovery, emphasizing self-reflection, goal-setting, and the cultivation of supportive relationships. The guide includes practical strategies for creating a new, empowering sense of self that supports long-term sobriety and personal fulfillment. Designed as a homework assignment, this resource encourages reflection, self-assessment, and the application of techniques to help individuals in recovery develop a healthier, more resilient identity.

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 therapy, 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.

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