Recovery Box - The Gift of Sobriety

“For want of a nail, the shoe was lost.
For want of a shoe, the horse was lost.
For want of a horse, the rider was lost.
For want of a rider, the battle was lost.
For want of a battle, the kingdom was lost,
And all for the want of a horseshoe nail.”

Old Proverb

What is a Recovery Box?

Imagine if you took on a DIY project. In order to do a good job, you would need to assemble the right tools for the task ahead. Recovering from an addiction is one of the most difficult projects we will ever take on so having the right tools is going to be important.

A recovery box is a collection of resources that we can gift to a loved one who is in early recovery or it is something that we can create for ourself. We can’t expect ending an addiction to be just one big picnic, but if we can pack our hamper with the right kinds of stuff, we will make things easier.

What Might We Put in a Recovery Box?

When considering what might be useful to put in a recovery box, it is important to consider the challenges that need to be faced during this period of transition from addiction to long-term recovery. This is a huge adjustment that impacts us physically, psychologically, emotionally, spiritually, and socially. So, any item that can help with these areas might be worthy of our recovery box.

Addiction Recovery Gift Ideas – What to Add to Your Recovery Box

Personal Journal - it can be incredibly useful for people who are attempting to transform their life to regularly write down their thoughts and reflections. A nice journal can be a beautiful way to treasure this special type of writing.
Inspiring books - this can be any book that you feel is motivational and suitable for early recovery.
Gratitude journal - this is a special type of journal where people can write down the things they are grateful for on a daily basis. This helps to keep them motivated and positive.
Herbal teas (e.g. chamomile) can be safe option to help us relax and sleep better at night.
A collection of inspiring quotes - this can be words that you have found useful over the years.
A gym membership or gift card - getting into good physical shape strengthens recovery and it also makes us feel good.

Meditation app subscription - there are apps such as Headspace, Insight Timer, Calm, and Waking Up that provide subscription-based courses on meditation. This can be a great way to increase motivation for meditation which can be a fantastic resource in recovery.
Yoga class gift card - this moving meditation can benefit us physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
Adventure day - this could involve trying out some new activity such as hiking, cycling, mountain climbing, paragliding, surfing, go-kart racing…
Create a playlist of songs that you believe will provide inspiration and strength. This is similar to how people back in the 80s would give mixtapes as gifts.
The gift of friendship - this is the absolute best gift you can give to somebody in early recovery. Just being there from this person is the most precious thing.

What Would You Like In Your Recovery Box?

A small quality notebook and nice pen.
Your Hope Rehab Recovery plan.
Your sponsors name and number, or mentor/support group.
Last will and testament if you have any specific preferences.
Motivational Affirmations cards for fitness, work, training, relationships, and life goals.
Your personal Missions statement.
Daily motivational reading.
A self-created Prayer.
Your historical victory and success list.
Your Joy list, including many items that give you deep sense of pleasure.
Your life goals and wish list.
Your favorite dried flowers.
A lucky charm or medal.
A talisman like a small Buddha or cross.
Photos of your loved ones or role models.
A stone from somewhere you have been or like.
Any Items of meaning.
A meaningful symbol like Yin/Yang or peace sign
A Tool that is useful like a Swiss Army knife.
Paint your life Visualization picture.
Positive literature or Favorite book.

These are just some of our ideas for what might be nice to add to a recovery box. If you can think of anything else that is would be useful, just contact us and we will see if we can add it. If you found this post useful, please consider sharing it.