Sharon Jan Hughes LCSW

How to Plan Your Own Recovery Program

Remember that these recommended actions need not be completed in this order. In fact, many are not actions we can complete at all. Spiritual recovery is a process, a journey. Set an intention to do these things. Make them a part of your daily life, one day at a time.

1. Build a network of at least four people who are supportive to your recovery, people you can call on when you need encouragement.

2. Attend Twelve-Step meetings or a small group experience at your church.

3. List your personal goals of those things you value doing in your life. Post them where you can refer to them regularly.

4. Have a daily spiritual practice. Make use of a daily meditation or affirmation book.

5. Take care of your physical needs to the best of your ability. Make sure you are eating wholesome food, drinking enough water, and sleeping sufficiently. See your doctor or dentist if needed. Exercise, even if you have to start small, by walking at lunch at work, parking farther away, etc.

6. Work on identifying one “character defect” you want to change. Don’t overwhelm yourself by working on too many issues at one time.

7. Journal by keeping a notebook in which you note what goals you worked on. Write about what people or actions were especially helpful (or not helpful). Be sure to note at least one thing for which you are grateful today.

8. Make a list of things you most enjoy doing. (This may include things you want to do and have not yet tried.) Make sure you do at least one of these things every week. Try to have something to look forward to within the next week.

9. Keep a list of resources you plan to use in your recovery: tapes, books, and films. Use them one and a time. Note in your journal what you got from each.

10. Be gentle with yourself! Remember: progress, not perfection.