Creating a Balanced Lifestyle in Recovery

This 4-page guide explores the challenges and strategies for maintaining a balanced lifestyle after completing treatment for substance use disorders. As individuals transition from the structured environment of treatment back to daily life, they encounter new tasks and responsibilities that require careful management. This guide provides insights into balancing recovery efforts with everyday duties, helping to prevent relapse and promote overall well-being. It includes practical tips for managing time, organizing responsibilities, and staying focused on recovery goals. Through reflection exercises and actionable steps, individuals are encouraged to create a sustainable and balanced lifestyle that supports long-term sobriety

Written by clinical psychologist Dr. Hal Baumchen, PsyD, LP, LADC, this printable PDF worksheet gives clinicians a practical, session-ready tool. The conversational, encouraging tone makes clinical concepts accessible to clients at any stage of therapy, while structured prompts keep the work focused and productive.

How clinicians use it: as an in-session exercise to open and structure discussion, as between-session homework to reinforce skills, as a progress tool to track growth over time, and as part of a treatment unit paired with the companion lesson and PowerPoint on this topic. Formatted for easy printing and immediate use in individual or group settings.