What Are the Steps to Developing a Recovery Plan?

The road to recovery is a long and treacherous one. There may be many setbacks, triumphs, failures, broken resolves, and new beginnings. This is often a normal and natural part of recovery. However, this is also why it's important to create a plan for your recovery. If you face setbacks or missteps, having a plan will make it easier to get back on the road and complete a successful recovery. 

Since everyone's recovery looks different, everyone's plans will likely also look different — and that's okay. What works for others might not work for you. Working with professionals to develop a plan that works for your recovery is the most important thing to do when developing a plan. Regardless, there are five critical steps that West Coast Recovery Centers encourages you to follow when developing your plan. 

5 Critical Steps in Developing a Recovery Plan

There are five steps that need to be taken to create an effective recovery plan.

#1. Acknowledge the Commitment

The first step in drafting your recovery plan begins even before your recovery. To start this journey, you must first acknowledge the commitment you're making. This commitment is to your friends, family, the professionals helping you along, and – most importantly —to yourself. Even with the support of loved ones and peers, the road to recovery is not easy. It's a commitment of not only time but also effort. 

Recovery often requires therapy, support groups, mental exercises, and sheer mental perseverance to get you through the most difficult times. If you begin your journey without fully committing to putting one foot in front of the other, no matter how difficult, the chances of relapse increase. 

If relapse is part of your recovery journey, that's nothing to be ashamed of. It's best to avoid it if possible; however, it is often an unfortunate truth of recovery. The most important thing to do in the case of relapse is to avoid blaming yourself or others. Instead, find the resolve to start again. With this new beginning comes the requirement to once again acknowledge the commitment you're making. This commitment may even have new meaning to you now that you've experienced firsthand what recovery demands. Once you've acknowledged this commitment, you can begin to draft your recovery plan. 

#2. Draft a Plan

Every person's recovery plan will look different based on the needs of the individual. It's important that this plan is thoughtful and carefully crafted, as this plan and your commitment to it will determine your future. Professionals at West Coast Recovery Centers can help you as you develop this plan to ensure that you're taking mindful steps toward recovery. 

This plan is just a draft and should be in a constant state of revision based on new insights toward your needs, advice from professionals, etc. When drafting this plan, it's important to keep your goals in mind, such as: 

• What can you do to curb your cravings? 
• How can you live life intentionally? 
• What are new hobbies or activities you'd like to try? 
• How will you avoid or handle situations that may put you at risk of relapse? 

Bearing these questions in mind when drafting a plan can help you to prepare for life outside of a recovery center. 

#3. Stay Connected With Important People

One of the most crucial aspects of recovery is the support system you rely on throughout this time. While it's greatly important to use this support system while in active recovery, it's equally important to use it afterward. Friends, family, and loved ones are all important instruments in recovery, but anyone who wants to see you succeed can be considered an “important person.” 

Professionals met through treatment, peers on a similar journey, or even old acquaintances with whom you share fond memories may be helpful in your journey. No one can tell you who should or shouldn't be part of your recovery. Being mindful of who is truly there for you and who wants you to succeed is the best way to discern who the important people in your life are. 

#4. Keep Detailed Records

This step has some leeway for you to experiment with what works for you. There's no specific way to keep records of your recovery, and you may monitor progress differently than others. For some, keeping a record of the number of days sober helps keep them motivated. For others, it may be logging the amount of time exercising and improving their health. Whatever helps keep you motivated and active in your recovery is likely the best practice for you. 

One way of easily keeping detailed records is through journaling. Journaling can help you in recovery in various ways, such as allowing you to work through emotions and see the bigger picture. It can also allow you to record your progress and monitor your improvements. If you're not sure where to begin with your record-keeping, consider starting a daily journal. 

#5. Remember Why You Chose Recovery

Just as the first step of creating a recovery plan is making a commitment, the last step is to remember why you made that commitment. For some people, it's to create a path forward for a happier, healthier life for themselves and to regain a sense of independence and security. For others, it's to make their loved ones proud and begin to heal broken relationships. 

Regardless of your motivation, the most important thing is that you've made the decision to recover. Making the commitment to get better, creating a plan for your recovery, and sticking to it are the most steps you can take toward a successful recovery. 

The path to recovery is not easy, and it's not one that you can do alone. Creating a plan with the help of professionals is one of the most important things you can do to improve your chances of a successful recovery. At West Coast Recovery Centers, our professionals are ready, willing, and able to help you achieve this. We believe in five crucial steps toward creating a recovery plan, and our professionals will help you with each step. The path to recovery relies on your commitment and resilience; having a plan to guide you will help you to stay focused on your goals. For more information, call (760) 492-6509 today.