STEP 2: Develop a Personal Recovery Plan
Meet with the user to review the following
information. Overcoming an alcohol or drug habit requires a
comprehensive personalized plan for change. A clear and specific
plan gives the user direction and builds confidence. The plan should
be developed by the user with assistance from a caregiver, a family
member, or at times a clergy, or a professional. An effective plan
includes teaching the following principles and concepts, and
encouraging commitment to the following behavior changes. The
commitment to follow the plan is the key to stop using alcohol and
drugs. Beginning users may not need to complete all of the following
tasks.
I. TEACH THE CONSEQUENCES OF ALCOHOL, TOBACCO AND
OTHER DRUGS USE
Alcohol and drug use in all of its forms is
destructive and addictive. It may begin as a curious indulgence but
can become a habit that takes control of the user’s life. It
destroys spirituality and reduces feelings of self-worth. It
distorts thought patterns, thereby making it difficult for user to
see his/her behavior as unacceptable.
The form entitled
Consequence Worksheet is an assignment designed for the
user to complete. The purpose of this worksheet is to help the user
understand the negative consequences of alcohol and drug use and the
positive consequences of maintaining self control. This form is
located in the Handouts
section page 24. This worksheet can be copied as needed. Review the
completed worksheet with the user.
II. TEACH GOD’S SACRED PURPOSE FOR the HUMAN BODY
The scriptures declare that the body is a temple.
It was Jesus Himself who first compared His body to a temple (see
John 2:21). Later Paul admonished the people of Corinth, a wicked
city with all manner of lasciviousness and indecency: "Know ye
not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God
dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God
destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are" (1
Cor. 3:16–17).
"Interestingly, I have heard many people, both
outside and inside the Church, declare, "It’s my body and I can do
to it what I want." The correct doctrinal response to such a
statement is quite simple. No, your body is not your own; it is on
loan from God. As we read in 1 Corinthians 3:16–17… The choices we
make about the use of our personal temples will affect us
throughout all eternity….Our physical bodies indeed are temples of
God. Consequently, you and I must carefully consider what we take
into our temple, what we put on our temple, what we do to our
temple, and what we do with our temple. And we can learn a number
of important lessons by comparing the Church’s temples to our
physical bodies as temples. (David A. Bednar, "Ye Are the Temple
of God," Ensign, Sept. 2001, 14)"
Many users have not developed an understanding of
God’s sacred purpose of their body. Even those who have learned the
sacred purpose of their body, will become callous when using alcohol
and drugs. Believing that the body is the temple of the spirit, will
improve the individual’s ability to abstain from alcohol and drugs.
III. OUTLINE NECESSARY BEHAVIOR CHANGES
The user must understand what behavior changes
are necessary. The following is a list of tasks and changes
necessary to stop using alcohol and drugs.
Eliminate all forms of alcohol, tobacco and other
drugs. All alcohol and drugs should be either removed from
the home or locked up. This includes over-the-counter and
prescription medications. Only a responsible adult should have
access to the medications remaining in the home. Users should
immediately stop all use. Those with serious addictions to
narcotics, alcohol and some other drugs may require medical
assistance to withdraw. Consulting a medical doctor may be
necessary.
Eliminate contact with peers and avoid locations
associated with alcohol and drug use. Stay away from
locations where alcohol and drug use may occur. Avoid stores and
locations in stores where alcohol is sold. Stop communicating with
those who sell drugs. A user cannot stop alcohol or drug use while
keeping a relationship with those who continue to use.
Stop inappropriate behavior associated with
alcohol and drug use. Users often develop behaviors to get
alcohol and drugs as well as to hide their use. Behaviors to get
alcohol or drugs may include immoral acts, manipulation, lying and
stealing. Stop these and other behaviors which may be associated
with using. Users should accept responsibility for their alcohol and
drug use and develop new behaviors.
Practice thought control.
Teach users
that thought control is crucial in order to gain control over
feelings and actions. Thoughts of using also tend to remind users of
the pleasure associated with use. Teach them to immediately get rid
of thoughts about alcohol and drugs and replace them with uplifting
thoughts, that will strengthen self control. When faced with
intrusive thoughts, silent prayer and rehearsing a favorite hymn in
their mind can be helpful.
Practice controlling negative feelings.
When users are frequently in a negative state of mind such as:
depression, isolation, self-doubt, low self-esteem or discouragement
they are more vulnerable to temptations of using as an escape from
the negative situation. Teach them to work their way out of negative
states as quickly as possible. Regardless of how difficult
challenges are, Heavenly Father holds the solutions and will help
them overcome the negative situation. However, if the caregiver
believes the user is experiencing clinical depression, anxiety or
another mental illness, professional help should be sought.
Complete Stop Using Alcohol, Tobacco and Other
Drugs Worksheet. The form entitled Stop Using Alcohol,
Tobacco, and Other Drugs Worksheet (pg. 25) is an assignment
designed for the user to complete. The purpose of this worksheet is
to identify activities that contribute to alcohol and drug use and
activities that will improve life and lead away from addiction. The
tasks and changes listed above are reviewed as part of this
worksheet. Review the completed worksheet with the user.
IV. COMMIT THE INDIVIDUAL TO STOP
Teach users that abstinence from all alcohol and
drugs is required. Ask them to make this commitment. They must
follow their plan each day of their life. Short term effort will
lead to relapse.
"Shaking off restrictive chains requires
action. They cannot be wished away. A declaration will never break
chains. It requires commitment, self-discipline, and work." (
Marvin
J. Ashton, "Shake Off the Chains with Which Ye Are Bound,"
Ensign, Nov. 1986, 13)
The speed of progress varies and depends on the
users’ effort and support. If their commitment weakens, the
caregiver will need to confront them about their lack of effort and
help them to recommit. This should be done with love and respect.
Users need reassurance there is hope to overcome their problem.
Central to overcoming an addiction is the
commitment to personal growth. Personality weaknesses such as low
self-esteem, lack of confidence, the need to control others, and
impulsiveness make recovery from addiction more difficult. Users
have to literally grow away from using alcohol, tobacco and other
drugs. Developing strengths such as emotional peace, self-esteem,
openness, honesty, courage, and equality with others is vital to
overcoming and maintaining control over the addiction. Help users to
live a healthy life style by encouraging them to exercise, to eat
properly, to develop healthy hobbies and to avoid other addictive
behaviors.
Teach the users to always remember that they are
of great worth to Heavenly Father. Doctrine and Covenants 18:10
counsels, "Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of
God." Heavenly Father loves all his children. Mosiah 27:4
states, "…every man should esteem his neighbor as himself."
Helping them realize their divine worth and equality is the
foundation of healthy self-esteem and confidence. When they feel
good about themselves they have a greater desire for self mastery.
VI. INCREASE SPIRITUALITY AND MOTIVATION
A close relationship with Heavenly Father is the
greatest source of strength users can have to stop using alcohol and
drugs. Users need to repent to gain the necessary spiritual strength
and blessings to overcome the problem. Increasing spirituality
increases motivation. The following are some ways to increase
spirituality:
Ideally, the family is the best source of support. However, in
some situations the person using alcohol or drugs may not have
family members who can assist. A support group can include the
spouse, family, friends, caregiver, clergy and other church members.
The purpose of a support group is to share ideas on how to solve the
problem, encourage the user to remain motivated, strengthen the
user’s sense of accountability, and provide consequences for lack of
progress. The secrecy and isolation which promote a habit, are
reduced when the support group becomes involved in the user’s life.
Ask permission to contact the spouse, parents, or others who may be
able to participate in the support group. Some of these individuals
may also be able to help you develop the support group. Follow-up
with invitations. If the user does not want others involved, resolve
his/her concerns.
Teach him/her that individuals with addiction
make greater progress when a spouse or others are helping. Give the
support group members a copy of Understanding the Addiction
Pattern handout page 23. Those helping the user need to maintain
unity through close communication with each other. Assign the
support group members a reading assignment from the table
Information About Alcohol and Other Drugs and Information
About Tobacco found on page 7.
Agree on a plan of regular visits and brief contacts
as needed. Have users report on their progress of eliminating
alcohol and drugs and increasing spirituality.
