Outside-the-Box Recovery: Free Material | Kim Rosenthal, MD - Free Printable

The image you've uploaded is a worksheet titled "Building Discrepancy", which is a tool commonly used in counseling and addiction recovery to help individuals explore the consequences of continuing or quitting substance use (drugs and alcohol). This exercise encourages self-reflection by comparing potential outcomes in different areas of life based on two choices: continuing to use substances or quitting.

Since this is a blank form, there's no specific problem to solve numerically or logically. Instead, it's a self-guided reflection activity designed to help someone identify discrepancies between their current behavior and their personal goals, values, and relationships.

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✔ Purpose of the Worksheet

The goal is to build discrepancy — a psychological concept where a person recognizes the gap between their current behavior (e.g., using drugs/alcohol) and their desired future (e.g., healthy relationships, career success). This awareness can motivate change.

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🔍 How to Use This Worksheet

You are supposed to fill in the blanks under each section, comparing what will happen if you:

- Continue using substances
- Quit using substances

Here’s how to approach each section:

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#### 1. My career, school, or professional life will be affected...

| If I continue using: | If I quit using: |
|----------------------|------------------|
| - May miss work/school due to hangovers or withdrawal<br>- Poor performance or lack of focus<br>- Risk of job loss or academic failure<br>- Difficulty meeting deadlines or responsibilities | - Improved concentration and energy<br>- Better attendance and productivity<br>- Potential for promotions or better grades<br>- Ability to pursue long-term career goals |

> 💡 *Think about your goals: Do you want to advance in your job? Graduate? Build a business? How does substance use interfere with that?*

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#### 2. My relationships with my family and other loved ones will be affected...

| If I continue using: | If I quit using: |
|----------------------|------------------|
| - Increased arguments or conflict<br>- Emotional distance or distrust<br>- Family members may feel hurt or helpless<br>- Possible estrangement or broken ties | - Stronger trust and emotional connection<br>- More meaningful conversations and time together<br>- Ability to support and care for loved ones<br>- Healing of past wounds |

> 💡 *Ask yourself: What do I value most in my relationships? Am I living up to those values now?*

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#### 3. My relationships with friends will be affected...

| If I continue using: | If I quit using: |
|----------------------|------------------|
| - May only hang out with people who use substances<br>- Feel isolated or judged by sober friends<br>- Risk of losing friends who don’t want to participate<br>- May engage in risky behaviors with peers | - Can build healthier friendships based on shared interests, not substances<br>- Gain respect from friends who admire your strength<br>- More authentic connections and activities<br>- Freedom to choose who I spend time with |

> 💡 *Who are your real friends? Will they support you in recovery?*

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🧠 Why This Works

This worksheet uses Motivational Interviewing (MI) principles:
- It helps clients recognize the costs and benefits of their behavior.
- It promotes autonomy — you’re making the choice, not being told what to do.
- It builds intrinsic motivation by connecting substance use to personal values.

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✔ Final Step: Reflect

After filling it out, ask yourself:
- Which future feels more aligned with who I want to be?
- What changes can I make today to move toward that future?

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📌 Summary

This isn't a math problem or puzzle — it's a tool for introspection. The "solution" is your honest answers, leading to greater self-awareness and motivation to change.

If you'd like, I can help you fill out this worksheet based on your personal situation (just provide some details), or guide you through a similar exercise.

Let me know how I can assist further!