2 – Managing Time

Being in recovery means always moving forward. To move forward, you need to think differently about time.

This involves two things:

a) Learn to mark time by the clock and the calendar, not by drug-using or drinking events. If you often say things like “I’m home, I can drink / drug” then you are using a drug event to mark time.

Divide the day by the clock, not “before I start drinking” and “after I start drinking.” Telling time with drinking or drug-using events is part of your substance using days. You need to change that pattern. When you talk about the past or any other subject, mention dates or times (if you can remember them) instead of alcohol or drug use.

b) You used to spend most of your time and energy on using. You need to fill that time with other things, and not just do nothing. Get a small calendar or notebook. Fill it with your goals and ways to use your free time. Fill your days with a job and other activities that will keep you clean and sober, and keep drugs and alcohol from taking over again.

Using your time wisely also helps you avoid anger and other emotions that lead to using. Good use of time helps you fulfil your responsibilities.

Look at your goals and the steps you need to take to get there. Fill in the steps in your calendar or notebook. Be sure to schedule relaxing times. You do not need to be busy every minute. You should not feel controlled by the clock. But you should use your time in ways that help you with your goals and avoid substance use.

Some helpful schedule suggestions:

Go to meetings. Attending face-to-face or even online

Groups will help you fill time, stay abstinent and meet people who are in recovery

Recovery can have a spiritual side, and it can be helpful to find a group with whom you are comfortable

Your calendar / notebook can also help you track your progress. After a while, you can flip through earlier pages and see yourself growing a new, substance-free life.

Becoming a workaholic is not a good way to stay clean or sober. If you overwork to fill up time, you may get so tired that you are tempted to use drugs or alcohol to relax. Or you may be lonely when work is over. The extra money can be a trigger to “treat yourself” to drugs or alcohol.