RIDE YOUR DEMONS: Addiction Recovery Tools
"Not a 12-step program. Just free, raw tools for addicts, partners, and survivors who’ve had enough."
Tools for the Addiction Recovery
1. The Radical Honesty Tool
2. The Immediate Action Tool
- Reach Out: Contact a sponsor, therapist, or support group within 24 hours of deciding to change.
- Remove Triggers: Immediately remove all substances, paraphernalia, or access to addictive behaviors from your environment.
- New Habit Start: Replace an old addictive routine with a new, healthy one immediately.
3. The Replacement Habits Tool
- Identify Your Void: What need did the addiction fill (e.g., escape, comfort, excitement)?
- Healthy Substitutes: Brainstorm 3 healthy activities that can fulfill that same need (e.g., exercise, creative pursuit, meditation).
- Scheduled Practice: Schedule your replacement habits into your daily routine and commit to them.
4. The Partner Empowerment Tool
5. The Communication Rebuild Tool (for Couples)
6. The Trigger Mapping Tool
7. The Relapse Prevention Tool
8. The Emotional Regulation Tool
9. The Self-Forgiveness Tool
10. The Purpose & Meaning Tool
11. The Accountability Partner Tool
12. The Rebuilding Trust Tool (for Couples)
13. The Physical Well-being Tool
14. The Spiritual Connection Tool
15. The Boundary Setting Tool
16. The Self-Care & Nurturing Tool
17. The Anger Release Tool
18. The Shame & Guilt Processing Tool
19. The Resentment Release Tool
20. The Future Visioning Tool
21. The Triggers & Cravings Management Tool
- HALT Check: Before giving in to a craving, ask yourself: Am I Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired? Address the underlying need.
- Delay & Distract: When a craving hits, commit to delaying for 15 minutes and distracting yourself with a healthy activity.
- Visualization: Visualize yourself successfully resisting the craving and feeling strong.
22. The Self-Sabotage Interruption Tool
- Identify Patterns: Recognize your personal patterns of self-sabotage (e.g., procrastination, negative self-talk).
- Pattern Interrupt: When you notice a self-sabotaging thought or urge, immediately do the opposite action.
- Future-Self Alignment: Ask yourself: "What would my healed, thriving self do in this moment?"
23. The Healthy Pleasure Discovery Tool
- Explore New Hobbies: Experiment with activities that bring genuine joy and fulfillment without relying on addiction.
- Sensory Engagement: Consciously engage your five senses in simple, healthy pleasures (e.g., a warm bath, a favorite song).
- Mindful Consumption: Practice savoring healthy foods, drinks, or experiences without overindulging.
24. The Stress Management Tool
25. The Forgiveness of Others Tool
26. The Healthy Relationships Tool
27. The Financial Recovery Tool
28. The Skill Building Tool
29. The Cognitive Restructuring Tool
- Identify Negative Thoughts: Become aware of recurring negative thought patterns related to addiction.
- Challenge Thoughts: Question the validity and helpfulness of these thoughts. Is there evidence for them?
- Replace with Positive: Consciously replace negative thoughts with more realistic and positive ones.
30. The Mindfulness & Meditation Tool
31. The Relapse Review Tool
32. The Self-Discovery & Identity Tool
33. The Gratitude Practice Tool
34. The Trauma-Informed Recovery Tool
35. The Goal Setting & Achievement Tool
36. The Service & Contribution Tool
37. The Patience & Persistence Tool
38. The Creative Expression Tool
39. The Self-Compassion for Partners Tool
40. The Future-Proofing Recovery Tool
- Build a Strong Support Network: Continuously cultivate relationships with sober, supportive individuals.
- Develop Coping Skills: Expand your repertoire of healthy coping mechanisms for all life's challenges.
- Lifelong Learning: Commit to continuous personal growth and learning in your recovery journey.