Did you ever see the look on a child’s face when someone takes away his ice-cream? Not at all happy. And, truth to tell, when we adults lose the things that comfort us, we don’t do much better at handling deprivation. So it’s really important to figure out the Resources you are going to develop to replace the apparent joys of getting drunk or high, and to get you through the rough spots on the way.

First you will identify your Resources, and then make plans to develop them. Begin by scanning over this list of Resources:

• Resources in your current social network of family and friends. I know that not all friends and family are a positive resource, but is there anyone among them you could call or spend time out with when you need a break or some help?

• Resources among your own substance-using friends. Two camps here:

  • The ones who will actually help you out with things like throwing you into a cab and sending you home when you need it.

  • And then the ones you’ll want to take aside and have a quiet word with, as in, “Please don’t insist that I do shots with you in the wee hours, when you know I have to go to work in the morning.”

• Resources like books, audio CDs, and DVDs that will help you become a more mindful and engaged person. Go to the Recommended Reading section of the Resource List at the SLS website for suggestions.

• Resources like new activities that are not linked to your substance use: perhaps a running club, a book club, volunteering, taking a class – anything that’s an alternative to getting smashed.

• Resources like support groups, such as HAMS, Moderation Management, Rational Recovery, or 12-Step.

• Resources from the prescription drug industry. There are a few medications out there now, like Suboxone, Campral, and Vivitrol, that help control different drug urges. And if your substance use is fueled in part by emotional issues, you might have an interest in medications to help control anxiety or depression.

• Resources around spirituality. This could mean anything from going to formal religious meetings to exploring yoga, meditation, reiki, acupuncture, martial arts, or any other discipline or healing practice.

• Resources around diet and exercise. If you exercise and eat healthy foods, it can sometimes have a profound effect on your desire to drink or do drugs.

• Inner resources: explore your own will to change, and your readiness to change. Are you willing to spend time visualizing to yourself a new life with drugs/alcohol under control or gone altogether?