However when these unhealthy rewards are replaced with healthier ones during recovery and healing, things can turn around. For example, saving a little money for a special trip can be rewarding. No need to gamble or get high; just enjoy swimming, shopping, skiing, and other fun activities instead.



But problems arise, like learning how much to save and where to go, how to get there, etc. And thus planning can be overwhelming and stressful.

To help addicts and those with tendencies toward addictive behaviours learn how to make and put a positive reward system into place, the first step is grabbing hold of reality and figuring out what WOULD be rewarding.

Reward yourself - with healthy rewards - along the way to success. That's the goal!

1. Begin by keeping a notearticle or journal listing rewards you would like to have. Start with something you think is totally unobtainable if you like. But start somewhere. And write down your thoughts so that you'll be accountable and take responsibility for yourself and your actions and behaviours.

No one has to see this rewards notearticle or journal but you. So feel free to use misspellings, bad grammar, doodles, magic markers, highlighters, clipped magazine pictures of what you want, etc. Be creative; make it colourful. It's for YOU.

For example, your notearticle could contain a list with some items like these that you think might be great: travelling, having lots of friends, being a part of a group, wearing designer clothes, having a new car, running your own business. Maybe you'd like to work part time, yet earn full time pay. Maybe you'd like to adopt children, join the Peace Corps, build your own boat or house. Dare to dream and live, jotting down ideas.

2. Then as time allows, research your ideas and find out what it would take to put them into action and make them reality. Do you need more money? More education? A scheduled time for a trip? A sewing machine to design clothes? Whatever it is that you'll need, write it down.

Don't know what you'll need? Can't figure out quite how to plan it all or get where you want? Use resources.

3. Seek help - ask trusted friends, write your congressman, check with your neighbour, move on to your net item and skip an unknown for now. Ask others at our 12-step meeting, research current trends in magazines and newspapers, ask the librarian for help and check via your favourite search engines. The goal is to reach out with your resources. No need to go it alone!

4. Then make it so, as they say on the television show Star Trek. Reach for the stars, your stars. Make time and plan your rewards one at a time. Have fun and enjoy life while you're living it in a healthier, real way, with real friends and real vacations. Show off your one new suit of clothes that you worked for and saved for while paying all your other regular bills in the meantime.

5. Give back and help others plan their own rewards, too. That's a reward in itself! Encourage your support team, your family, your friends, your co-workers, your neighbours and your healthcare team. Helping each other in life can be very rewarding. Don't miss out on non-monetary rewards!