What are the five rules of recovery can refer to different frameworks, but a commonly cited set for addiction recovery describes five rules to prevent relapse. Rule 1 is change your life, meaning recovery requires creating new life where it is easier not to use, not just stopping substance. Rule 2 is be completely honest, meaning honesty with self, therapist, and support group about cravings, thoughts, and behaviors. Rule 3 is ask for help, meaning reach out to support network, sponsor, counselor, or peers when struggling rather than isolating. Rule 4 is practice self-care, meaning maintain physical and emotional health through sleep, nutrition, exercise, and stress management, avoiding HALT states hungry, angry, lonely, tired that trigger relapse. Rule 5 is don't bend the rules, meaning follow recovery program principles strictly, not making exceptions that lead back to use. Another version lists five rules as don't use no matter what, attend meetings regularly, get sponsor, work steps, and help others. Some frameworks list rules as hope, honesty, responsibility, support, and self-discipline. Overall, rules emphasize lifestyle change, honesty, support seeking, self-care, and commitment to program to maintain long-term recovery.
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