[Ed. note: Although Mooring Lines are not an “official” SR Tool, volunteer Stefan Neff and others have found them very useful in their recovery. This post represents Stefan’s views and analysis.]
I was recommended to use a process called Mooring Lines by a counsellor who said this tool is an important concept in addiction recovery. Also, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has recognized Mooring Lines as a helpful tool for individuals who are struggling with addiction.
What are Mooring Lines?
Mooring lines are metaphorical anchors that individuals can use to ground themselves when they are feeling overwhelmed or triggered by their addiction. They are a set of personal values, beliefs, and practices that provide stability and support during difficult times. Mooring lines are created by identifying the things that are most important to an individual and then creating a plan to prioritize and protect those things.
How Do Mooring Lines Work in Addiction Recovery?
Addiction recovery is a challenging process that requires individuals to make significant changes in their lives. These changes can be difficult to sustain without a solid support system in place. Mooring lines provide a framework for individuals to identify their values and beliefs and then use them as a foundation for their recovery.
Mooring lines can be used in a variety of ways. For example, an individual might use their mooring lines to remind themselves of their commitment to sobriety when they are feeling tempted to use drugs or alcohol. They might also use their mooring lines to reconnect with their spiritual or religious beliefs, which can provide comfort and guidance during difficult times.
Benefits of Mooring Lines in Addiction Recovery
Mooring lines offer a number of benefits for individuals in addiction recovery. Here are just a few:
- Increased Self-Awareness: Mooring lines require individuals to reflect on their values and beliefs, which can help them better understand themselves and their motivations.
- Greater Resilience: Mooring lines provide a stable foundation for individuals to rely on during difficult times, which can help them weather the challenges of addiction recovery more successfully.
- Improved Decision-Making: Mooring lines can help individuals make better choices by providing a clear set of priorities that guide their actions.
- Increased Motivation: Mooring lines can provide individuals with a sense of purpose and direction, which can increase their motivation to stay sober and continue on the path of recovery.
Mooring lines are an effective tool for individuals in addiction recovery. By identifying their values and beliefs and creating a plan to prioritize and protect them, individuals can create a stable foundation for their recovery. Mooring lines can help individuals stay focused on their goals, make better decisions, and stay motivated during the recovery process.
Mooring lines Examples: Journaling, mindfulness/meditation, SMART meetings (therapy & case management appointments in some cases), recovery research (Sober Friends Club), exercise, diet, sleep and others.
Now make a list of your own mooring line that will help you stay grounded and connected to your recovery or sobriety path.
I was introduced to mooring lines in my IOP and always felt it was a valuable tool for self accountability. I am glad to see the concept presented here. I highly recommend it.
I like this tool, Stefan. An eye opener as well as a way to focus on the path we have chosen. Our choices are ours.
Thank you,
Sam29
it looks very helpful. thank you
Make a weekly chart of your Mooring Lines and put it somewhere visible like on the fridge door so you can tick off those activities at the end of the week (Eat 3 healthy meals a day, get up at 8am, go to bed at 11pm, 3 x gym sessions, 3 meetings a week etc)
Go back and look over your chart at the end of each week to check you are meeting your activity goals. If you are starting to miss a few you may have an early warning that your Mooring Lines are becoming slack and your recovery is drifting towards the rocks.
Another great visual to help in the recovery process (and the self care process for family and friends). We’ve got the spiral staircase for stages of change, the hula hoop, etc. This is a good visual for making the core values more physically “real”
Love this tool and the visual! Definitely plan to use it.
I find this tool very helpful. I have my list of mooring lines. I use it too hold myself accountable at the end of every week, I will review them to ensure I followed the mooring lines throat the week.
While not an “official” tool, any metaphor that can be used by someone in recovery is helpful.