Some Do‘s & Don’ts in Recovery

1. Do continue to work your program.
2. Do involve others in your recovery. Continue to talk to someone when needed regarding your emotional & mental health.
3. Do use the activities that work best for you and promote your recovery. This is different for everyone.
4. Do keep busy (do things to help your physical health, participate in service activities, spend time with family or friends)
5. Do take up a wholesome hobby.

– Don’t:

1. Don’t underestimate your disease. This can happen to those who have clean and sober time under their belt.
2. Don’t fall into dangerous behaviors or emotions. (I.e. dishonesty, blame, self-pity, resentment etc.)
3. Don’t get complacent with your life and recovery. Boredom is dangerous.
4. Don’t frequent places that can act as a trigger (Example: If you are in a bar, chances are you are going to drink)
5. Don’t replace your addiction with something else. (Gambling, pills, food etc.)

1. Do stay honest with everyone, especially to you. Do what you say you will do.
2. Do stand up for yourself and your reasons for being clean and sober.
3. Do live by the standards set forth in the 12-step program or the recovery program that you have chosen.
4. Do have the courage to say no to events when you feel overwhelmed.

– Don’t:

1. Don’t fall into self-pity when you’ve done something wrong or relapsed.
2. Don’t be deceptive with yourself or others.
3. Don’t make excuses when it comes to working your program.

1. Do respect family member’s boundaries, property and personal space.
2. Do be tolerant and respectful of their shortcomings.
3. Do encourage them in their Al-anon or codependency program.
4. Do communicate honestly with your loved one.
5. Do learn to be selfless and helpful in your home.

– Don’t:

1. Don’t manipulate or use your loved ones.
2. Don’t use threats to get what you want.
3. Don’t betray trust, dishonesty.

1. Do be reliable and responsible in your position.
2. Do be a good coworker with others.
3. Do be open and honest.
4. Do stay professional with everyone at work.
5. Do always follow through with responsibilities put in front of you.

– Don’t:

1. Don’t be dishonest when it comes to missing work. Be on time.
2. Don’t bite off more than you can chew with responsibilities.
3. Don’t use work as interference for going to meetings or other recovery programs you are involved in.
4. Don’t get overwhelmed with work. This can be a trigger for relapse.

1. Do regularly take part in wholesome activities that promote your recovery.
2. Do take time to get outdoors once and a while. Nature has its own way of healing.
3. Do start a vegetable or flower garden and help things grow.
4. Do involve family and friends in the activities you select.

– Don’t:

1. Don’t take part in activities that can trigger a relapse. (locations, people events)
2. Don’t participate in things that take your mind off of your recovery.
3. Don’t go to an event or activity with alcohol alone. Bring someone if you might be tempted to drink.

1. Do check with a physician to determine what level of fitness you should be involved in.
2. Do participate in healthy activities and exercise to your skill level.
3. Do make exercise a regular part of your recovery program.
4. Do try to eat a well-balanced or nutritious diet.
5. Do get involved in yoga. Its philosophies and meditation techniques are quite helpful to those in recovery.

– Don’t:

1. Don’t have a steady diet of bad or processed foods. Also avoid things like sodas and energy drinks.
2. Don’t push yourself too far when exercising. Your body may not be up to it.
3. Don’t let fear of doubt get in the way of getting well and fit.

1. Do stay on top of your mental health with regular visits to a doctor or therapist.
2. Do continue to ask questions with those helping you with recovery and your mental health.
3. Do become educated on your addiction and any co-occurring mental illnesses.
4. Do stay positive as much as you can.
5. Do seek help and support from others when you need it. It’s okay to ask for help.

– Don’t:

1. Don’t see appointments just as a time to get your prescription refilled.
2. Don’t fall into behaviors that harm your mental health.
3. Don’t get stuck talking about past struggles. Stay focused on the present.