Essentials for Recovery

CHANGE YOUR WORLD [straight talk about this subject]

Know your TRIGGERS:

• As you identify them – AVOID AT ALL COST!

• End ALL RELATIONSHIPS that promote your addiction:

  1. Change phone number and social media accounts.

  2. Be very guarded who you let have this new information.

ENVIRONMENTS must be safe from addiction triggers:

• Drug/Gambling Free Cars.

• Drug/Gambling Free Homes.

• Even if its family - DO NOT LET THEM IN IF DRUGS OR DRINKING!

• Have 3-Emergeny Contacts for Relapse Prevention:

  1. Stable Recovery-People willing to let you contact them Night or Day.

  2. Have numbers and addresses.

  3. If one is not available, reach out to the next on the list.

FIND RELIABLE TRANSPORTATION

• Public transit, private car, bicycle, or walk:

• Only look for housing where one of these means of transportation is available.

• Make sure your transportation will get you from home and to work on time.

GET A STEADY JOB

• One that takes income taxes out and pays in checks or direct deposit:

  1. No “cash only” or “work on demand”.

• Have a “Generic” application filled out that you carry with you:

  1. This will be your resource information when applying for jobs.

  2. You can get one from the unemployment office or just ask for one from any business.

  3. Use the information to fill out applications around town.

GET A HANDLE ON YOUR FINANCES

• Follow a simple basic budget:

  1. Always take out ‘Housing Costs’ first.

  2. Then transportation costs.

  3. Followed by your need for groceries.

  4. Ask for help if you are having difficulty making a budget.

GET A PLACE TO LIVE

• Secure affordable housing away from old people-places-things:

  1. No ‘couch surfing’.

  2. No living out of your car, a tent, or some ones camper.

  3. Preferably find a ‘Sober Living’ home for your first year of recovery.

SET A SCHEDULE

• Schedule every minute of your day and night:

  1. Follow your schedule religiously.

  2. Plan activities for any ‘relaxations’ or ‘fun’ times.

  3. No just scheduling “free time”; always have a plan.

  4. Keep your schedule busy; no time for boredom.

PLAN A YEARLY CALANDER

• Have addiction free Holidays – plan activities for these times.

• Anticipate how to handle upcoming birthday parties, or other celebrations.

• Prepare to grieve during anniversary days, comfort yourself without substances.