I have been talking a lot about structure as a key to relapse prevention. Sometimes the word “structure” confuses people. Another way to think of it is in the world of business. There it is referred to as systems. It is the systems McDonald’s has which allow it to make identical Big Macs anywhere it wants in the world. They are able to take people for different cultures and languages and education, and still get the exact same tasting product, anywhere.

Look at the armed forces. They can take kids who come from all divergent backgrounds and skill levels and in 12 weeks turn them into a cohesive unit which reacts with unity and precision. How are these organizations able to modify behaviour of so many people in such short periods so consistently over and over again?

It is their systems that allow this to happen. The system becomes the decision source for the new “recruit”. They do not get to choose how long to cook a hamburger. A buzzer rings and tells them it is done. In the army basic training you do not get to choose when to eat, sleep, what to wear, your haircut, or even when to speak.

By taking care of so many of the choices for someone in advance, they can focus entirely on the skills the organization wants them to learn the most. It frees all of the mental power to the critical task at hand. This is what we are talking about in drug rehab when we are asking clients to build structure in their lives. By putting some systems in your life, you will be able to more carefully focus on the result you really want for your life. You will be far more able to cope with the unexpected stresses and communication problems that arise. You will have more fun and connection with people because you put in place a system that will make you do it.

All drug rehab centers have systems. Some call them rules, but in reality they are simply systems. The systems free your mind to focus on change and skill development. The systems force you to interact with other clients. The systems will change your sleep pattern to a healthy one. Look for systems you can put in your life after drug rehab.