Research shows addiction treatment is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Participants have a better chance of success when interventions are designed for the whole person – their unique situation, strengths, needs, background and preferences. The Change Companies’ updated My Life in Recovery curriculum helps guide participants on their unique recovery journeys, using a modular approach that enables customization for each individual.
The Journals in My Life in Recovery help participants reflect on their strengths, skills, goals and resources. The strategies and skills presented can help participants reach their short- and long-term goals in recovery. The focus on recovery can help participants reflect on what they want out of treatment, increasing their chances of success in the long run.
This curriculum uses cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, stages of change, expressive writing and mindfulness techniques. It can be adjusted to fit the needs of different programs and individuals. The result is a personalized tool that reflects the most current research in the field.
My Life in Recovery key focus areas
Some of the key focus areas in the My Life in Recovery curriculum include:
- Strength-based approach: Each Journal encourages participants to draw on their unique strengths, skills and desires to overcome real-life challenges.
- Modular structure: My Life in Recovery includes 11 Journals that can be assigned based on participants’ individual needs and treatment plans. Facilitator Guides provide activities and discussion topics to support clinicians working one-on-one or leading closed or open groups.
- Alignment with The ASAM Criteria 4th Edition: My Life in Recovery Journals and Facilitator Guides support a multidimensional treatment plan approach. They include a focus on social determinants of health, trauma-sensitive approaches and cultural humility. They also support integrating care for co-occurring mental health conditions.
- Whole-person approach: . Participants are more than their substance-using behaviors. My Life in Recovery can help each participant see themselves as a unique, whole person. These Journals invite participants to think about their identity and practice self-compassion.
- Long-term focus recovery: My Life in Recovery is designed to serve participants beyond their time in treatment. It includes a focus on long-term goal-setting and life skills to empower participants during and after treatment.
This curriculum includes the following Journals and topics:
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Getting Started - Myths and facts about recovery - Self-compassion - My values and strengths - My sources of support |
My Personal Change Plan - The stages of change - My motivations to change - 10 strategies for change |
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Substance Use Education - Categories of substances - Substance use disorders - My history of substance use |
The 12 Steps of Recovery - The 12 Steps - Benefits I may experience - Higher Powers, sponsors and meetings |
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The Power of Self-talk - Rational thinking - Eight unhelpful thinking patterns - Challenging unhealthy thinking |
Managing My Emotions - Understanding emotions - The role emotions played in my substance use - Risky emotions in recovery |
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My Mental Health - Mental health and wellness - Mental health and co-occurring conditions - My mental health |
My Coping Skills - New pathways to cope - Managing stress - Overcoming challenges in recovery |
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My Relationships - Unhealthy vs. Healthy relationships - Healthy relationship skills - Communication skills - My support network |
Managing My Life - Sustainable housing - Employment - Financial literacy - Time management |
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Maintaining My Recovery - Maintaining my positive changes - Managing my triggers and warning signs - Maintaining my progress |
New flagship treatment curriculum
My Life in Recovery replaces the MEE (Motivational-Educational-Experiential) Journal curriculum, which has been used by more than 1,500 adult treatment programs across the country. Download the transition guide to learn more about Journal alignment from MEE to My Life in Recovery.
Appropriate settings for My Life in Recovery
My Life in Recovery is appropriate for a range of addiction treatment settings, including adult inpatient, outpatient, co-occurring, treatment courts and opioid abatement. It can be used in individual and group settings.
Reflecting the lifelong recovery journey
Recovery is a lifelong process, unique to each individual. The new My Life in Recovery curriculum reflects this. It can support the efforts of your participants in pursuing what successful recovery means to them, in treatment and beyond.