– Main Idea: We must accept, acknowledge, and admit all the ways that our addiction(s) have caused us and others in our lives suffering. It is essential that we eliminate all forms of denial, minimization, justification, or rationalization of our addiction(s).

– Action Item: Bullet point in detail all the ways your addiction(s) have negatively impacted you in each of the following ways. (1) Physical Health (2) Mental Health (3) Relationships (4) Finances (5) Missed Opportunities.

– Main Idea: Having acknowledged the depth of the suffering of our addiction(s), we begin the process of investigating the root causes and conditions that drive our addiction(s).

– Action Item: Bullet point or outline in detail the driving causes of your addictive behavior. (1) When did your addiction begin, escalate, and fully manifest? (2) Were there any specific situations you were attempting to avoid, escape, or control through your addiction(s)? (3) What feelings were you chasing through your addiction(s)? (4) What were ‘the feelings you were unwilling to feel’? (Anger, depression, loneliness, anxiety, etc.) (5) What were the driving factors of your addiction(s)?

– Main Idea: We embrace a vision for a better life. A life without abuse of our addiction(s) where we’re more able to be fully present for ourselves and others. In Recovery Dharma, we refer to the Third Noble Truth as ‘Recovery is Possible.’

– Action Item: Bullet point and visualize all the ways your life can be better through recovery in the following areas – (1) Physical Health (2) Mental Health (3) Relationships (4) Finances (5) Future Opportunities.  

– Action Item: (1) Formulate and write down your plan for working the Eightfold Path of recovery. (2) Commit to implementing these practices and principles in all your affairs. (3) Be honest about the challenges ahead and list them. (4) Make a list of how you plan to hold yourself accountable. (5) What does taking Refuge in the Three Jewels look like for you?