1. Get phone numbers of recovering addicts working a program and use them. It's really important to talk to other addicts and alcoholics outside of meetings because it keeps you accountable and creates a network of people you can learn to depend on to be there for you when you need them most. Sometimes it's a matter of life of death!
2. Go to 12 step meetings regularly. The only way to learn about the program is by going to meetings regularly. They suggest 90 meetings in 90 days but many people in early recovery will go to 2 or 3 meetings a day. It keeps you busy, connected with others, teaches you about the steps and the program, and gives you a chance to share how you're feeling with others who really care.
3. Get a sponsor and talk to him/her on a daily basis. Your sponsor will guide you through the steps, be there for you when you need to talk, and in most cases become a really good friend.
4. Pray. Prayer works. What else can I say!
5. Meditate. Meditation helps ease the craziness of daily life and it's where we go to hear the answers to our prayers.
6. Read recovery related literature. An addiction library is an excellent place to find loads of information on any topic which is of interest to you concerning your particular addiction and will educate and arm you with tons of defenses against taking that first one.
7. Ask God to help you stay clean in the morning. I have a friend with many years of clean time who says he has never heard of anyone who has sincerely asked for help to stay clean in the morning pick up that day. Go figure!
8. Thank God for helping you stay clean when you go to bed at night.
9. Work the twelve steps. The key to a new and healthy life and guidelines for healthy living.
10. Eat chocolate or other sweets when the cravings hit.
11. Call another recovering addict before you pick up that next drug or drink.
12. Do something for someone else to make them feel good. There's nothing that makes one feel better than putting a smile on someone else's face. Try it, it works.
13. Make a gratitude list. Replace fear with faith by using this tool.
14. Eat healthy foods like a juice boost drink.
15. Keep busy with fun and productive activities.
16. Find a hobby.
17. Stay out of a relationship for at least one year. Love relationships end sometimes which can be devastating in early recovery when we are starting to feel our feelings for the first time in a long time. We don't need to take the chance of overwhelming ourselves with that before we are strong enough to handle it. This is in the top 5 reasons for people relapsing in the first year.
18. Make recovery your number one priority remembering that anything you put before it you will lose
