At the core of addiction - is a compulsive tendency to use a drug or to engage in an activity that changes how we feel.

This compulsion to use may be active and obvious - or it may linger and recur during times of anger, stress or complacency.

And because the tendency of addiction persists over time - so too must we remain active in the Principles and Ways of recovery from addiction.

Your Personal Program is a reminder list - of those things important to do - one day at a time in your recovery from addiction.

Ask for help in the morning - Give thanks at night. The recovery meetings that you attend to each week. Quiet time to journal write. Connecting with others in recovery.

These and other items each have a place in your Program.

Your Personal Program is a commitment to your self - and is best written down.

It is easy to lose track of things kept just in our head. We get busy - and distracted - and it is easy to lose our way.

Writing your Program down on paper will help you to organize, sustain and to track your involvement in recovery.

Your Personal Program is a foundation - a steady part to your day and to your week.

Regardless of what else happens, your program is there for you to follow. It provides a structure and a routine to your day - and to the activities of your recovery.

Follow your program when you are feeling lazy. Follow it when you are worried - or confident - about your recovery.

Follow your program when you have the time - and follow it when you are pressured, stressed or busy.

Your Personal Program counteracts the disorder of addiction - and provides a centre of stability on days when you are pressured.

As you become accustomed to your Program - you will find comfort in its routine and its benefits.

Your Personal Program provides direction for your recovery. Spend a few minutes each week - to organize and to update your Program.

Listen to what others do for their recovery. Learn what is necessary and most helpful to you.

Then follow through with what you have written down. Apply your self to your Program - and let it empower your recovery.

Getting Started

SupportNet offers a variety of Recovery Resources - to help you to get started with your Personal Program of Recovery.

The Notes Handbook that accompanies this Learning Seminar will introduce you to several of these guides.

Ask for help in the morning - Attend to a Recovery Support Group - Read recovery literature - Connect with others in recovery - Care for, calm and express yourself - Consider the Principles of Recovery - and Apply them to your daily life.

The Principles of Recovery offer that balance, routine and action will empower a lasting recovery from addiction - one day at a time.

The Ways of Recovery offer strategies to counteract the sick tendencies of addiction - and to help you to enjoy your life along the way.

Avoid risky people, places and things - Repeat the Serenity Prayer - Apply it to your life - Journal write - Listen to the experience of others in recovery - Pause for one moment - Breathe deeply in to your abdomen - Give thanks at night.

Make a list of those things that you will do for your recovery each day.

This list is the foundation for your day to day Personal Program of Recovery from addiction.

Keep a schedule of your recovery support meetings, exercise routine and your personal time. Make note of any appointments with professional supports.

Entering a pharmacy - Letting myself get too tired - Spending too much time alone - Going to a bar - Treating my own symptoms - Playing resentments in my mind - Working long hours - Being near to others who are using - Doing nothing - Taking on too much at once . . .

There are many potential triggers to relapsed use.

But each of us has those people, places and things most likely to get under our skin.

Make a list of those triggers most likely to challenge your recovery. Remind yourself daily - to be alert to these risks.

Regardless of all efforts - a day will come when you feel overwhelmed or at other risk to your recovery.

Make a list of what you will do. Be specific. Write down the names of people you would contact - or places that you would go to.

Apply the Principles of Recovery to your Program - as to all the activities of your life in recovery.

Keep it simple. Don’t clutter your day with more than you can handle. Listen to the experience of others. Put first things first - and follow your program one day at a time.

In Summary

The compulsion of addiction may linger and recur.

We must therefore remain active in the Principles and Ways of recovery from addiction.

Your Personal Program helps you to put your recovery first.

Its routine reminds you of what is most important in your day - and its activities counteract any tendency towards relapse.

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