What is Indigenous Recovery Planning?

Relapse prevention is a type of mental health therapy for people who want to change their alcohol or drug use. It is one of the most effective psychological treatments for addiction. The Indigenous Recovery Planning (IRP) program uses this therapeutic approach to help participants address thoughts, feelings, and behaviors related to recovery, such as identifying triggers and planning for them, learning new coping skills, returning to sobriety quickly after a slip, and practicing self-compassion instead of getting stuck in shame.

IRP is made up of six, weekly support group sessions guided by trained community leaders who have experience helping others live a life free of alcohol and drugs. IRP is different from other addiction recovery programs because it does not rely on the 12 steps of AA/NA, but instead merges relapse prevention strategies with cultural lessons and activities.

Participants have the opportunity to explore their Native identity, connect with cultural and community resources, and try out new sober activities in their community. And, with support from their group leaders, participants create their own recovery plans using skills they learn each week.

IRP is guided by an easy-to-follow program manual, which includes six weekly group support sessions:

1. Introduction and Goal Setting

2. Relapse Prevention and Recovery Planning

3. Managing Slips

4. Coping with Trauma and Managing Discomfort in Recovery

5. Stress, Problem-Solving, and Social Support

6. Envisioning and Planning for the Future