What is WRAP Recovery?

Get Details on Using WRAP for Support (and When Formal Help is Needed)

You may have encountered the term WRAP while reading wellness articles and wondered: What is WRAP recovery? WRAP is an acronym for “Wellness Recovery Action Plan,” referring to wellness tools that demand self-determination and active participation.

At Changes Healing Center, we know that recovery is possible for us all; still, we encourage people to keep in mind that some are unable to adhere to the WRAP process.

If you have substance abuse and mental health challenges beyond what the wellness recovery action plan (WRAP) model can assist with, please reach out for our professional care options.

We encourage you to read to learn more about how WRAP recovery planning can support personal wellness, so please keep reading (and know Changes is here for additional help if needed).

The Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) for Mental Health

WRAP is a self-designed tool. It was developed in 1997 by individuals who wanted to take charge of their mental health and wellness. The system helps each person develop a personal plan rooted in a specific framework that helps WRAP community members identify and use personal wellness tools.

The goal of community members? To live a high-quality, healthy life and manage mental illness.

Here are the essentials to know about the WRAP process:

Create a Personal Wellness Toolbox

Creating and following a wellness recovery action plan is all about personal empowerment. People making a WRAP plan start by listing a variety of simple, safe ways to support better mental health. A few examples of these are:

• Listening to wellness podcasts or streaming seminars
• Attending community substance abuse recovery meetings (AA, NA, SMART Recovery)
• Trying new, relaxing hobbies
• Going to a fitness class
• Making lists of “safe” people who support wellness
• Becoming local support group facilitators and offering hope to others

These are only a few things that can make someone feel optimistic about their mental health. Each person will find the best combination of wellness activities to support their needs.

Develop a Daily Life Plan

The daily plan sets up success by creating a comfortable predictability. The key principle of WRAP is self-determination. Setting a daily plan removes uncertainty from life.

Individuals following WRAP will know when they will do what throughout the day. This planning helps them avoid triggers and relapse and develop better habits that support a healthy lifestyle.

Identify Sources of Stress in Life

A wellness recovery action plan challenges people to do some soul-searching to discover what causes stress or triggers them. Regardless of whether people following the WRAP framework struggle with anxiety or substance use, this step is important.

When they know what stressors might interfere with their mental health, they can largely avoid them and ‘play through the tape‘ to better understand the medium and long term impacts of questionable choices.

Early Warning Signs of a Mental Health Decline

The self-empowerment of WRAP also means individuals must stay actively engaged with their care plans and be honest about how they feel. They need to understand their emotions and detect the first signs of a mental health decline. Then, they must take proactive measures to seek support and reverse the downward trend.

Crisis Planning for When Unexpected Challenges Occur

Experiencing a setback should not mean that all hope is lost! Another key to WRAP is knowing what to do when something triggering does occur. Writing out this plan helps individuals make it through the day when they face unexpected obstacles. Some steps they can take to recover are:

• Contact a safe person who supports your health
• Practicing mindfulness, praying, or meditating
• Visualization techniques
• Journal writing
• Listening to soft music

With a wellness recovery action plan (WRAP), the person must find the best way to stay in the present and connected to reality while mentally removing themselves from the danger zone.

Post-crisis Planning

The post-crisis plan refers to the next steps after an unplanned emergency or event. This written plan helps regain stability and restores hope and personal well-being. Some examples of this include:

• Reaching out to a counselor for professional support, if needed
• Calling AA or NA facilitators or sponsors for words of encouragement
• Asking the doctor to review medications for efficacy or interactions
• Engaging in self-care techniques – eating well, getting enough sleep, daily exercise
• Sending yourself an email reminder of the daily life plan to get back on track

These things can help move past the triggering event and back into a stable life.

What a Wellness Recovery Action is NOT

The guiding principle of WRAP is self-efficacy for a healthier life. But we should also explain what a wellness recovery action plan (WRAP) doesn’t do.

• NOT: A replacement for professional treatment. It’s a self-help tool, but that doesn’t mean you’ll always go things alone. If you sprain a wrist, you see the doctor. If you feel your mental health is at risk beyond your control, you should contact a therapist.
• NOT: A boilerplate program. WRAP is so attractive because each person can personalize it. Some benefit from this model. But others require professional support. It’s also worth noting that WRAP can be a lifelong process that requires evaluating and updating strategies.
• NOT: Crisis intervention. While planning for setbacks is part of the WRAP program, not everyone can implement the strategies effectively. In emergency situations, especially involving thoughts of self-harm, people should reach out for support.
• NOT: Guaranteed to heal any illness. WRAP provides a supportive process with varying outcomes for the people who participate. It focuses on wellness and emotional control, but WRAP does not “heal” anything.

Call Changes Healing Center for Evidence-Based Treatment

If you like the idea of WRAP but feel you need additional support than what’s offered by the framework, it’s okay to seek guidance from a professional. Self-directed plans may help reduce the symptoms of some mental illnesses but won’t address underlying causes – that’s where a professional comes in!

Changes is a Joint Commission-accredited facility serving Phoenix, Arizona. We use the latest research and evidence to create treatment programs that suit each person who arrives at our center.

Connect with the Changes team today to learn how we can assist you. Calling our facility to speak with an admissions representative is always confidential, so please don’t hesitate to reach out now.