How To Formulate A Life Plan: 3 Tips To Get Started

The first step to recovery starts with the individual with an addiction wanting to make a change. As difficult as the first step is, it can be equally difficult to decide what to do next. There are multiple options for recovery, including natural, biological, psychological, social and spiritual. With so many options, it can be confusing to determine how to begin. Formulating a personal life plan is the beginning of the journey to picking an option and achieving lasting recovery.

Below are 3 useful tips to help an individual with an addiction develop a personal recovery program, using the natural recovery method.

Tip No. 1 – It’s a Marathon, not a Sprint

Starting on an addiction recovery plan requires perseverance. The individual who wants to recover must realize that it will take a lot of effort, time and commitment. It’s important to remember that this problem can be solved, just like many other problems have been solved. Focusing on milestones is good way to approach recovery. The first milestone is completing 90 days without substance abuse; the second is 1 year.
While it is necessary to stay focused, there is no emphasis on being perfect. If the individual in recovery slips, there is no need to re-set the clock. The important thing is to return to recovery, and not give up.

Tip No 2 – The Beginning Plan

At the inception of the recovery program, there is no need for a master plan. It is simply too soon for one. Instead, the individual in recovery is encouraged to establish a beginning plan with a  few small, easily accomplished steps for every day. How about setting aside some time daily to reflect on the reasons for making this change into recovery? Or evaluate your daily progress, keep records, because every little step counts. Have any problems come up? If so, that time could be used for troubleshooting and resolving issues.

It doesn’t matter whether the beginning plan is to stop completely, cut back, or merely assess the situation. The point is to identify a personal target and ensure daily action is taken in the direction of that target. Revise what’s working and what isn’t. Revise the plan if needed. As long as the individual in recovery continues to take small steps every day, then they won’t be overwhelmed, and will be able to stick to their personal life plan.

Tip No 3 – Prepare for a Difficult Transition Period

In fact, expect this period of transition to be the most difficult. The individual in recovery must remember that this is a time of great internal and external change, but that it will inevitably end. For most individuals in recovery the transition period ends with the first milestone of 90 days. By the end of that time, the cravings and irritability that come with withdrawal will have subsided considerably. It is helpful to use a calendar as a visual motivator, so that the individual in recovery can cross off each day and actually see progress being made.

The Journey Begins

Now that the journey to recovery has begun, motivation is key. Each individual has unique reasons to start their journey, and remaining focused on the reasons for making this change will go a long way towards remaining in recovery.

Hired Power provides information and resources for addiction intervention and recovery. If you are struggling to kick a drug or substance use habit, call us. Let us help you create a solid foundation for lasting recovery. 1-800-910-9299