Using Recovery Tools on a Daily Basis

(From Understanding Depression and Addiction by Thase & Daley)

You can improve the chances of recovery from your dual disorders if you use the "tools of recovery" on a daily basis. The tools of recovery are the steps you take to help yourself get better, track your symptoms and problems, and deal with problems head-on. Using your recovery tools every day can serve as protection against relapse.

 

 
Recovery Activity Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
I attended an AA/NA meeting.  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 
I attended a dual recovery or depression support group meeting.  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 
I talked with my sponsor.  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 
I talked with another person in my social support system (family or friend).  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 
I socialized with other people.  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 
I practiced changing depressed and negative thoughts.  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 
I practiced making positive statements about myself or my life.  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 
I attended a session with my doctor, therapist, or treatment group.  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 
I took medication for my depression.  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 
I prayed or used my Higher Power.  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 
I got physical exercise.  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 
I read recovery literature (on depression, addiction, or dual recovery).  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 
I wrote in a recovery journal or finished a workbook assignment.  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 
I participated in a pleasant or fun activity.  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 
I coped with desires to use alcohol or drugs  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 
I practiced positive thinking about my recovery.  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 
I set a goal for the day.  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 
I reviewed my day to track my progress.  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

Place an X in the box of the recovery tool that you use on that day.  Print this out. Use it regularly.  It's a simple way to see progress, patterns, and change.