A Letter to “Risky Business”

Addictive behaviors and substances like alcohol, drugs, or gambling can be “risky business.” Over time, it can start to feel like being in a bad relationship with the behavior. Our risky behaviors are also accompanied by rituals or habits that we get sucked into. These habits (and the strong feelings connected to them) make it hard to “break up” with the risky business that has become a part of your lifestyle.

Sometimes a good way to break up with risky business is to write a letter. This worksheet from Mental Health America’s Mental Health Month 2017 Toolkit can help you get started.

Here’s a web-friendly version of the questions from the worksheet:

If you need help getting started, write about the following things in your letter:

• Why you started engaging in the risky behavior
• Why you hate it
• The troubles it has caused you
• How you’re going to “leave” (stop or take control of the behavior)
• The ways you’re going to feel so much better when you’ve moved on to a healthier lifestyle.