How to Set Realistic and Achievable Goals for Recovery

If you need assistance in creating realistic and achievable goals, reach out to your mentor, peer, or another mental health professional for guidance and tips. Relevant goals for recovery include ones that help a person get or stay sober. They should be meaningful to that person and help them on their journey in some way. For example, an addiction recovery goal that is relevant might https://www.inkl.com/news/sober-house-rules-a-comprehensive-overview be working out at a gym a certain number of times per week. This can help someone relieve stress and improve their physical health, which can help a person to stay sober.

We accept most private health insurance policies with out of network benefits. Stability in life often comes from being gainfully employed or actively engaged in educational pursuits. Consider vocational training or educational courses to improve your skills.

  • By considering all aspects, we can address the underlying causes of addiction rather than just the immediate symptoms.
  • Many patients don’t realize the toxicity of prolonged alcohol abuse and how it affects the body.
  • The lingering effects of withdrawal, the constant cravings, the broken trust, the triggers in the environment around you — sometimes it feels like the barriers are endless.
  • Individuals who complete a treatment program with aftercare have higher success rates in recovery.

They can also include goals that apply to different areas of life, such as personal relationships, getting a job, spirituality or improving one’s financial health. The SMART goals method refers to setting goals that are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and timely. Family and support networks are vital in the recovery process. When included in the treatment plan, they can offer valuable emotional support, encourage accountability, and increase the likelihood of long-term success for the client. It’s essential to tailor interventions based on the individual’s unique needs, the extent of their addiction, and any accompanying mental health conditions. Effective interventions commonly encompass Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and medication-assisted treatment (MAT).

Relevant

Timely goals are essential so that you are accountable to achieve them within a certain time frame and don’t keep pushing them back. Substance use disorders can cause significant distress within interpersonal relationships. It is not uncommon to see enabling and care-taking behaviors when a loved one is struggling with drugs or alcohol. Family involvement is often an available treatment option in inpatient rehab programs, including educational and therapeutic opportunities. In John’s case, his use has had a profound effect on his marriage, as evidenced by his wife leaving their family home with their children.

What Is Crank Drug? Addiction, Dangers, & Treatment

By including a variety of activities, you can improve both physical and mental well-being, leading to a more balanced and fulfilling life. Ensure your specific goal is achievable based on your circumstances, resources, and capabilities. For example, develop coping strategies to manage triggers within 3 months.

Medical Disclaimer

The different levels of care available for substance abuse treatment are designed with different intensities and frequencies, to reflect the different levels of support commonly needed in recovery. Additionally, it is important to understand your client’s motivation for recovery and determine where they fall within the stages of change. Clients who are motivated by external factors, or are in the contemplation phase, may benefit from the use of MI to help them find reasons they find appealing to modify their behaviors. Objectives are smaller and a measurable action taken to achieve a bigger goal. So while you may set goals in alcohol rehab, it is also important to start small and build on your goals.

Step-by-Step Goal Setting

Clinically, Warren has developed a therapeutic skillset that utilizes a strengths-based perspective, Twelve Step philosophies, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing. Establishing a healthy routine is also relevant in addiction recovery. A routine that includes exercise, self-care, and hobbies promotes stability and well-being, helping individuals avoid triggers and reduce the risk of relapse.

substance abuse goals

Goal 3: Enhance Emotional Regulation and Coping Skills to Address Co-occurring Anxiety and Depression

Gaining them back helps the patient to realize they can function normally once again free from alcohol. The goal of any drug rehab program is to reduce or eliminate substance abuse or dependence. However, over the years, addiction professionals have discovered that simply stopping the behavior is not enough. Instead, patients must either eliminate the circumstances that are causing them to abuse drugs, or learn to effectively cope with them so that they will stay clean.

Lifestyle goals

substance abuse goals

Determine triggers, negative influences, or personal struggles to gain a better understanding of how to overcome them. Seeking support from a support group or professional guidance from Lantana can help you stay motivated and accountable on your recovery journey. A supportive community provides encouragement and understanding.

John reported that he was drinking daily, to the point of intoxication, noting that he often has little control over how much he drinks. He noted that he has had to increase his use over the years and that he was experiencing withdrawal symptoms. He reported that he knew his drinking was a problem and that it caused problems with his wife, and work. He noted that he missed his children’s sporting events frequently because of drinking, which upset his children. John shared that he sees some benefits to sobriety, but is unsure if this sober house is something he is capable of.

By taking it step by step, a sense of achievement is fostered, and momentum is constructed toward a healthier and addiction-free life. Establish realistic goals that align with recovery objectives. For example, commit to attending one support group meeting per week or reduce substance use by a specific percentage within a predetermined timeframe. Consistently engaging in exercise and mindfulness practices cultivates a healthier and more balanced lifestyle that supports your recovery journey. Remember to consult your healthcare professional or therapist for personalized recommendations and guidance in incorporating these practices into your routine.

Establish a Healthy Routine by X date

  • For most patients, remaining totally abstinent from drugs will be the desired recovery outcome.
  • Goal setting in recovery can help people figure out what they need to do in order to get from where they currently are to where they want to be.
  • Read on to learn more about the concept of SMART goals, and their importance in addiction recovery, and provide examples and tips for setting realistic and achievable objectives.
  • The reason so many people — in and out of recovery — choose to use SMART goals to create their best lives is simply because of how consistently effective it is.

Relevant goals focus on the specific needs and challenges of the individual, taking into account their unique circumstances. Finally, setting time-bound goals provides a sense of urgency and helps establish a timeline for achieving objectives. As you begin developing a substance abuse treatment plan, you will need to determine if it is medically necessary for your client to receive medical support and supervision in a detox program. This is an important detail to investigate for several reasons. First and foremost, detoxing from drugs and alcohol can be an uncomfortable, painful, and in some cases, dangerous transition. Drugs and alcohol have a profound effect on our brains and bodies, which contributes to withdrawal symptoms.

Remember, consulting with healthcare professionals and therapists is a crucial step toward a successful addiction recovery process. Their expertise and support play a pivotal role in achieving holistic and effective recovery. In addition, SMART goals contribute to the accountability of individuals in addiction recovery.

It boosts your mood, reduces stress and anxiety, improves sleep quality, and increases energy levels. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking or cycling, every day. Developing coping mechanisms to manage triggers is another relevant goal. By identifying triggers and adopting effective coping strategies, individuals can navigate challenging situations without resorting to substances.

They cannot even think about taking on anything else because life feels too stressful. It should add to your life and make it better, not take away from it. For example, if you only weigh 100 pounds, you wouldn’t set out to lose 60.