For most individuals addicted to drugs or alcohol, the span of time leading up to recovery has been filled with pain. Some have had to hit bottom--the lowest point in their lives--before recognizing the need for sobriety. Deciding to quit is momentous--but it is only the beginning of a challenging journey ahead. Putting a recovery plan in place is essential for long-term success. Although different recovery plans have some elements in common, each must be individualized to be effective. According to Patrick McLemore of Manor House Recovery Center, the key is for an individual to ask herself, "what is in my life today that will benefit my recovery, and what is in my life today that may be a detriment to my recovery?" Addressing these issues is the first step to creating the plan.
Friends and Family
The next step in creating a recovery plan may seem harsh but cannot be compromised: eliminate everyone from her life that is related to the addiction. Whether they are a user, a dealer or someone who encourages the individual to use, she cannot see or speak to them anymore. She should delete all of these phone numbers from her cell phone and get a new phone number so they cannot contact her.
She should make a list of friends who don't use that she can go to for support and invite them to meet for coffee or go to a movie. Now is also the chance to spend time with family, participating in family activities and re-establishing bonds.
After-Care Meetings
"100 meetings in 100 days" should be an individual's mantra if she is serious about recovery. Alcoholics Anonymous and other "Anonymous" programs for substances and other issues are the best known meetings for recovering addicts, and they have had an enormous impact on the lives of millions of people. They're not for everyone, but it is important that a comparable program be put in place. Whatever the program chosen, according to the staff of Michael's House, attendance and participation must be consistent for it to work. Otherwise, the individual may experience feelings of shame and self-doubt.
Improving Health
A recovering addict's body is in desperate need of repair and self-care. One of the first steps toward regaining health is to eat three balanced meals each day. There are several benefits to this plan--not only does it make the individual feel better, but it requires planning and discipline, and discipline is at the heart of the entire recovery plan. Another step toward regaining health is to exercise briskly for 1/2 hour at least three times each week. This will increase energy as well as enhance the detoxification process. Finally, if shower facilities are readily available, the individual should bathe daily to feel and look her best. This will increase confidence and make her feel her most comfortable.
Daily Tasks
The individual in recovery should choose simple tasks to build her day around, giving it structure and meaning. Tasks as simple as making the bed every morning or cleaning the kitchen at night can lead to a great feeling of accomplishment and lend a sense of purpose during a time in which days can seem long.
