Wellness Recovery Action Plan – A Strengths-Based Recovery Tool

The Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) is a structured, self-management tool for substance use and mental health. It was developed by Mary Anne Copeland in the early 1990s, based on the lived experiences of people in recovery, and focused on self-determination, empowerment and hope.

The fundamental philosophy of the WRAP is that people can live meaningful lives despite having mental health and substance use disorders. Wellness is not defined as the absence of illness, but as the ability to feel physically and emotionally well despite life’s daily challenges. By reflecting on what helps someone stay well and translating that into actionable steps that can be lived out in everyday life. WRAP frames recovery as an intentional and ongoing process of improving health and wellness, autonomy and independence and striving to reach one's full potential.

Five key concepts are emphasised in the WRAP

• Hope: The belief that recovery is possible and that a fulfilling life is attainable
• Personal Responsibility: Taking an active role in managing one's wellness
• Self-advocacy: Expressing needs and making choices and decisions about one's own recovery
• Education: understanding one’s own experiences and making informed decisions
• Support: Building and utilising supportive networks

WRAP offers a practical toolkit for collaboratively identifying early warning signs, developing personalised coping strategies, and implementing crisis planning that supports daily functioning and autonomy.

The WRAP is organised into six personal plans.

• Wellness Toolbox
  • A list of strategies and daily activities that support wellbeing (e.g., routines, relationships, coping skills)
• Daily Maintenance Plan
  • Developing a structure that outlines what needs to be done daily to keep grounded and stay well
• Triggers and Action Plans (Stressors)
  • Identification of internal and external events or situations that may be triggering or disrupting wellbeing, and outlining strategies for responding early.
• Early Warning Signs
  • Recognising subtle changes in thoughts, emotions, and behaviours and taking steps to respond adaptively
• Crisis Planning
  • Developing a clear plan for when distress mounts and increases, and identifying supportive contacts and a network that can prevent escalation
• Post Crisis Plan
  • A plan to help navigate the period after a crisis to return to the daily wellness plan.

The WRAP is often learned and practised together as a peer-led group or as a guided individual process, using a workbook-style format with questions and exercises.

The WRAP is a recovery tool with strong evidence of improvements in mental health, increased hope, and improved quality of life. People who use the WRAP have also described it as inspiring, empowering, and even "life changing" because it promotes a self-defined concept of recovery, wellness, and self-determination.

The WRAP stands out among other recovery tools because it is self-designed and self-led, low-cost, adaptable, and culturally flexible, while focusing on a strengths-based approach to keeping a person well. The WRAP is also available as a mobile app.