Early Recovery Daily Structure
A daily structure plan for early recovery with time blocks, planned activities, recovery supports and a plan for the highest-risk time of day.
1-page fillable PDF · US Letter (prints on A4) · Relapse prevention · Structure
- Approach / concern
- Recovery & Addiction
- Technique
- Relapse prevention · Structure
- Format
- Fillable PDF, 1 page (US Letter / A4)
- Access
- Pro and Advanced plans (3-day free trial)
- For
- Licensed clinicians to use with clients
- Updated
- October 2026
Key facts
What is the Early Recovery Daily Structure?
Structure and routine reduce idle time, boredom and exposure to high-risk situations, supporting early recovery.
Why it works
Lifestyle balance and planning are components of relapse prevention (Marlatt & Donovan, 2005). Mutual-help participation supports abstinence (Kelly et al., 2020).
When to use it
- First weeks and months of recovery
- After detox or treatment
- Unemployed or on leave
- Evenings and weekends
How to use it in session
- Map a typical day.
- Fill gaps.
- Add supports.
- Plan for high-risk times.
- Adjust weekly.
Clinician tips
- Include rest and pleasure, not just tasks.
- Plan weekends separately.
- Keep it realistic.
Worked example
Sharing with clients
Members can download the PDF to print or email, or copy a private client link from the download box. Your client opens the link and downloads the worksheet on any device. No client account is needed, and nothing your client writes is stored on TherapyAid.
Frequently asked questions
Why does structure help?
It reduces boredom and time spent in high-risk situations.
What if I don’t stick to the plan?
That’s okay. Adjust it to be more realistic.
References
Marlatt, G. A., & Donovan, D. M. (Eds.). (2005). Relapse prevention: Maintenance strategies in the treatment of addictive behaviors (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.
Kelly, J. F., Humphreys, K., & Ferri, M. (2020). Alcoholics Anonymous and other 12-step programs for alcohol use disorder. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (3), CD012880.
This worksheet is an educational tool for use by, or under the guidance of, a licensed or registered mental-health professional. It is not a diagnostic instrument or a substitute for clinical judgement. If a client is in crisis in Canada, call or text 9-8-8 or call 9-1-1.
