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How to Structure Time When Recovering From Drug Addiction

by Shirley Porras

Overview

Building a successful recovery from drug addiction requires consistency and structure. By the time drug addicts reach treatment, there is little sense to be made out of even the simplest tasks on any given day. Sleep and eating cycles are completely distorted; appointments and schedules have been ignored and abandoned. This destructive behavior must change and schedules must be followed if you are to adapt to your drug-free lifestyle. These changes will require structure and effort.
Get Organized

Step 1

Gather a calendar or appointment book and 12-step schedules. Contact and schedule the appointments you have ignored prior to the beginning of your recovery. Some examples are medical, dental, self care, family, counseling, education and other avoided commitment responsibilities. These are some of the dates you will include as you begin to structure your time. Having all your upcoming appointments and events together will make it much simpler when you enter all the information in one place.
Step 2

Discuss your new schedule with your sponsor or counselor and request their feedback. This person is a second set of eyes to look for places where you may have stretched yourself too thin, which could lead to feelings of failure.
Step 3

Ask your sponsor or counselor to help monitor your progress and keep you accountable to the goals you have set. Part of the reason for the chaos in your life was your inability to ask for help. This is a new behavior for the recovering addict but is necessary.
Step 4

Follow the plan you have developed as closely as possible. If there is something in the schedule that is not working do not just ignore it. That is old behavior. Discuss it with your sponsor or counselor and make a change so that your focus on structuring your time remains your priority.
Step 5

Talk about the changes you are making with supportive family and friends. Speaking of this reinforces the change you are trying to make. Being actively involved in your recovery is being part of the solution and no longer being part of the problem.