top of page

Click here for Plain Text Version

Your Bottom Lines

In recovery, your 'bottom lines' are the specific behaviors you're committing to stop - the things that, for you, define a slip. Getting clear and concrete about them matters, because vague goals ('be better,' 'cut back') give the addiction room to negotiate. This is where you decide, in plain terms, what you're moving away from.

Clear beats vague: 'I'll be more careful' is something the addiction can argue with. 'I will not do X' is a line you can actually hold and actually notice crossing. Specifics are your friend here.

Drafting my bottom lines

Name the specific behaviors you're committing to stop. Be concrete and honest - this is yours to define, ideally with your therapist or group.

The specific behaviors that count as a slip for me:

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

Why these

Why these lines matter to me - what I'm protecting by holding them:

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

What I'm moving toward

Bottom lines say what you're stopping. It helps to also name what you're moving toward, so this is about a life, not just a list of nos.

The life I'm holding these lines for:

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

Lines are living, not perfect: Your bottom lines can be refined with your therapist or group as you learn more - and crossing one isn't the end of recovery, it's information. The point isn't a flawless record; it's a clear, honest direction. Define them with support, not in isolation.

Go deeper

Ready for more? These lessons pick up where this worksheet leaves off.

bottom of page