The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) includes Interactive Journaling in its National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices. Interactive Journaling is a goal-directed, client-centered model that aims to reduce substance abuse and substance-related behaviors, such as recidivism, by guiding adults and youth with substance use disorders through a process of written self-reflection. The model is based on structured and expressive writing techniques, principles of motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioral interventions, and the integration of the transtheoretical model of behavior change.
Two studies were reviewed for the SAMHSA entry. One study included a 24-page journal titled "Changing Course," which was delivered as a self-guided program for reducing recidivism among male inmates who had substance use dependence, were incarcerated at a local jail, and had at least one other arrest in the previous 12 months. Another study included a 64-page journal, which was delivered as the basis of a 12-hour, facilitated course curriculum for reducing recidivism among first-time DUI offenders.
~Andy Klein