ABSTRACT
The final stage of the CHOICE Recovery Model is Establish Confident Recovery. This chapter builds on the well-worn wisdom that recovery is not about what you give up, but what you take up. Readers will learn to see relapse as a process, not an event and learn to identify for themselves Melemis’s three stages of relapse − emotional, mental and physical. In order to avoid relapse, readers are encouraged to build a life where addiction no longer has a place by developing daily disciplines to support recovery as well as healthy pursuits and pastimes. We talk about maintaining physical health through sleep, exercise, diet and relaxation as well as recovery activities such as journaling and doing step work. A comprehensive list of possible hobbies is also provided, all of which can have the added benefit of being flow activities. We also explore developing emotional intelligence and assertiveness and overcoming common blocks to recovery.
