by Donald Rahrer

Created on: June 13, 2010

          Designing and Using a Sixteen Goal Individualized Plan for a Successful Recovery

Recovery is the process of changing addictive thought patterns and behaviors while initiating and maintaining an addiction-free lifestyle for a defined period of time. The time varies according to experts, but usually lasts a minimum of 2 consecutive years. A significant research effort was conducted for this article to study the addiction-recovery process. This involved an analysis of how people successfully recovered from their addictions. The effort included:

"Research and analysis of addictions-recovery literature, including professional and clinical studies, theories and procedures as well as self-help and pop psychology publications"

"Research and analysis of the effectiveness of inpatient and outpatient addiction-recovery therapy and treatment programs"

"Observations and interviews with people recovering from a variety of addictions as well as listening to “leads” from those sharing personal recovery stories"

"Research and analysis of the autobiographies, biographies, observations and interviews of people who have successfully recovered from addictions"

The data revealed similar characteristics in the recovery patterns of people who had recovered from an addiction for at least 2 consecutive years. The characteristics patterns reflected that each person’s recovery needs were different and that recovery plans and treatment approaches varied considerably. Most importantly, the results represented a comprehensive overview of what is essential in the recovery process. From this data, the following 16 recovery points were obtained.

 1.  Gaining the knowledge about addiction and recovery

 2. Accepting the addiction and becoming motivated to change and recover

 3.  Becoming willing to accept help

 4.  Gaining the knowledge about the individual's specific addiction and personal background issues

 5.  Developing a plan for change

 6.  Identifying and using of community resources

 7. Identifying and using alternative constructive rewards to replace addictive rewards

  8. Identifying human needs and the ability to pursue and fulfill them in moderation

  9. Identifying and developing positive personal characteristics, feelings and behaviors

10. Developing a positive social support network

11.Developing physical and nutritional

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