Changing Habit Patterns – Worksheet 1

This worksheet focuses on examining lifestyle choices and habit patterns that hinder recovery from substance use disorders. By reflecting on destructive habits and understanding the motivations for change, individuals can identify behaviors and attitudes that hold them back. The worksheet highlights common reasons for making changes, such as improving health, relationships, and self-esteem, while also addressing the deeply ingrained habits that perpetuate addiction. It encourages individuals to evaluate their resistance to change and adopt new, positive routines to support long-term recovery. This self-examination process aims to build momentum and promote growth in personal and emotional well-being.

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.