Motivational interviewing research shows that when people clearly see the gap between their current behavior and their goals, their motivation to change increases. This exercise invites you to honestly examine how substance use is affecting, and will continue to affect, the areas of life that matter most to you. By comparing two possible futures side by side, you can clarify what is at stake and what you stand to gain.

For each life area below, write how you believe things will look if you continue using substances in the left column, and how they will look if you pursue recovery in the right column. Be as specific and honest as possible.