10 Principles of Recovery

These are drawn directly from the 10 Principles of Warfare which have evolved over thousands of years and remain in use by modern and successful military forces worldwide. AA may provide the most relatable comparison between battling a human enemy and an addiction; both are ‘cunning, baffling and powerful’. The objective of both enemies is our submission, defeat, and destruction.

Military victory does not come from the total destruction of enemy forces nor occupation of their territory. Victory is achieved when we can impose our will upon our enemy at any time and place of our choosing. The distinction is important. We may allow our enemy to continue to exist, or tolerate its existence, and remain firmly in command of the battlefield. We can’t destroy the substance of our addiction; we can impose our will upon it.

Each situation, goal or choice may require focus on one or a few principles over others. Personally, when faced with choices, I repeat to myself ‘maintain the goal’ and the rest usually falls into place.

Notes:

1)     Not all the principles translate well to recovery language, however, if the concepts are understood they may be exploited.

2)     We may have multiple/concurrent goals (e.g., short, medium and long-term, personal and professional). It is possible to have conflicting goals and/or choices that favour one goal to the detriment of another. Priorities among our goals help to differentiate between choices and the merits of each choice relative to each goal. Almost every choice to progress one goal comes at a cost elsewhere; priorities minimize the cost.

3)     Absolute or drastic adherence to any goal is likely counter-productive. We can spend 100% of our time in pursuit of our deliberately chosen and well-articulated goals, but, when do we have coffee with a friend, talk about useless fluff, and laugh? All things in moderation, all efforts in balance.

4)     In good times we may be able to balance several goals. In uncertain times it is important to reduce the number of goals. If recovery is at risk, then a single goal is wise. As long as recovery is at risk, this goal should be the sole focus.

1)              Selection and maintenance of the goal. Our recovery requires healthy, attainable and clearly defined goals upon which we may focus;

2)              Maintenance of morale. After health, morale is the most important element in ensuring the will to fight for our recovery;

3)              Offensive action. Offensive action (forward movement, progress) is required in order to defeat our addiction and is the pre-condition of success;

4)              Security. Security protects the recoveree, their progress, and helps them to retain their health and morale;

5)              Surprise. Positive and new experiences are an effective and reaffirming influence in recovery and its effect on morale is immeasurable;

6)              Concentration of force. In order to achieve your goal, it is essential to concentrate your limited time, effort and energy at the decisive time and place;

7)              Economy of effort. Minimum time, effort and energy should be expended or lost in areas that do not progress the achievement of your goal;

8)              Flexibility. Recovery is individual and unpredictable. A high degree of flexibility enables us to meet changing situations and unexpected developments;

9)              Cooperation. Cooperation with your care team, recovery peers, family and friends enable recovery progress and achieving your goal; and

10)            Logistics and administration. Recovery is unnecessarily impeded unless the administrative and logistical demands of life are respected. Quick and effective completion of administrative and logistical requirements maximizes the time, effort and energy available to progress toward our goals.