People should think about what they like in their current life, what they would like to be different, what new things they hope to get in the future and how they would like to be spending their time. Each person’s addiction recovery goals will probably be a little bit different; it’s okay if one person’s goals aren’t the same as another person’s. While the terms “substance use disorder” and “addiction” are often used interchangeably, they aren’t identical. That is especially true for alcohol use disorder, sober house since most people with this condition have a mild severity. No matter the stage, people with a SUD can benefit from treatment and support, recognizing that SUDs are often long-term health conditions that can carry risk of recurrence even after years of recovery.
Consult with a Healthcare Professional or Therapist
Regarding HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention, high-risk substance use is any use by adolescents of substances with a high risk of adverse outcomes. Adverse outcomes might range from injury, criminal justice involvement, school dropout, to loss of life. In 2023, 48.5 million people 12 or older, or 17 percent of the U.S. population, had a SUD within the past year, according to SAMHSA’s 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). So, while not everyone with risk factors for a SUD develops one, SUDs are common.
Needless to say, you probably have your own personal goals for entering addiction treatment, even if it’s as simple as desiring a better life for yourself. With the right treatment program, you can reach all your goals and find freedom from substance use. The most important goal for recovery may relate to improving the patient’s home environment so that recovery will be supported and coping skills will be successful. Many patients will learn living habits that promote sobriety and develop relationships within the sober community. In addition, many recovering addicts need to re-learn how to establish and maintain friendships or develop socialization skills. Patients should also be encouraged to develop long-term education and/or career goals.
Sticking to Your Recovery Goals
Recovery from addiction is a challenging journey that requires focus, determination, and a clear roadmap. One effective framework for setting goals in recovery is the SMART goals method. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Timely (or Timebound).
Maintenance and Long-Term Recovery
- A goal is like a flashlight, illuminating the path ahead and providing clarity and direction.
- 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.
- Instead of looking to the past, set realistic expectations on how you and your loved one can work together for a bright, new future.
- The drug rehab clinician’s assessment should identify specific problems that need to be addressed during treatment.
It is important to remember that we will experience different needs and goals unique to our recovery journey as we grow and develop. Now, let’s explore some SMART goals for substance abuse examples that are specifically tailored to different aspects of substance abuse recovery. Remember, these examples can serve as inspiration, but it’s important to personalize your goals to address your unique needs and circumstances. By incorporating these five elements into your goal-setting process, you can create a roadmap for success in your substance abuse recovery journey. Learn more about how to set treatment goals for substance use disorders and how to succeed in recovery. Setting realistic goals in recovery is not just an exercise in planning but a commitment to yourself for a healthier future.
By following SMART criteria and considering the ten goals outlined above, you build a robust framework for recovery that’s both achievable and tailored to your needs. Remember, the journey to recovery is a marathon, not a sprint, and setting realistic goals can keep you on the right path. Recovery is a challenging and slow process and setting goals beyond your reach can be very discouraging. But an achievable goal is fun to strive for and can help you stay positive and follow the plan that you laid out for yourself.
- These goals can also provide encouragement and accountability.
- Modern treatment efforts are beginning to recognize this fact.
- The Washton Group offers telehealth appointments for clients located in NY, NJ, FL, and any of the 29 states listed below.
- Birthdays, anniversaries and major life events can all be cause for reflection.
- Goals help you prioritize, achieve your aspirations, augment your motivation for growth and enhance confidence and self worth.
Co-Occurring Disorders
If the answer is yes, then maybe you should look at your approach to recovery. The Washton Group offers telehealth appointments for clients located in NY, NJ, FL, and any of the 29 states listed below. At Silvermist we are committed to being available for you or your family member day or night, you can call us 24/7.
Aquila Recovery holds The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Behavioral Health Care Accreditation
The great thing about SMART goals is there is no kind of goal you can, should or have to set; they are entirely dependent on you, your life and your personal aspirations. A goal is like a flashlight, illuminating the path ahead and providing clarity and direction. When we set a specific goal, we gain direction and are able to make more consistent progress than we would be able to without the guidance a goal provides.
Keep in Mind, Setting Goals in Recovery Can Be Difficult For Those in Early Sobriety
- Samuel Mess will be graduating from the Agribusiness and Animal Science programs, taking a step closer to achieving his dream of owning a farm.
- Most people say, “I want to lose weight” or “I want to save money” and the goal-setting process ends there.
- Overcoming substance abuse and achieving lasting recovery is a challenging journey that requires dedication, commitment, and a well-defined plan.
- Worrying that your porn consumption may have crossed a line?
- This approach allows for steady progress and helps avoid feeling overwhelmed or discouraged.
They may go beyond the immediate cessation of substance use. This promotes a focus on enhancing general health and quality of life. The patient and the treatment team need to develop them together.
Goals help you prioritize, achieve your aspirations, augment your motivation for growth, and enhance confidence and self-worth. Early childhood trauma also increases a person’s risk, as does starting to use substances before the age of 14 and/or having a mental health condition like depression or anxiety. Many people with SUD often find they have at least one of these risk factors. One of the most constructive techniques learned during drug rehab is how to deal with potential relapse. For example, instead of saying “I want to lose weight,” say, “I want to lose 60 pounds by losing five pounds a month while implementing aerobic exercise and the Mediterranean Diet.” Write down your goal. During this phase of goal-setting, you should answer some specific questions about how you will achieve your goal.
Using the SMART goal strategy prevents you from making vague goals and facing disappointment because your plans are out of reach. The primary goal is achieving and maintaining abstinence from the substance of abuse. It’s important to start with manageable goals and gradually increase the level of difficulty or commitment.
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