Addiction recovery is a process marked by a series of milestones. While in rehab, people learn the importance of setting and sticking to addiction recovery goals to reach those milestones. Without a plan, it’s easy to go off course or become discouraged. Think of the recovery process as following directions on a road trip. You enter information into a GPS and follow incremental instructions, one at a time until you reach your destination. Similarly, setting realistic goals for addiction relapse prevention involves plotting a course to follow.
Our addiction specialists understand the importance of goal setting in recovery. Learn more about our programs using the convenient online contact form or call 866.294.5306 to begin your recovery plan at Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida.
Addiction Recovery Goals and New Year’s Resolutions
You are making a fresh start, which means letting go of the past. It’s time to focus on the present and the future. Now that you are approaching the end of the year, your New Year’s resolutions can concentrate on your addiction recovery goals.
You know what you want to accomplish, but how can you stick to a plan when distractions and temptations are around every corner? You won’t have a GPS to direct your path, but you can reach your goal with a step-by-step plan.
5 Suggestions for Setting and Reaching Your Recovery Goals
Here are five suggestions that may help you set and stick to your addiction relapse prevention goals and resolutions:
1. Be Specific
If your goals are vague, it will be easy to sidestep them. So instead of saying you want to improve personal relationships, be more specific. For instance, apologize to your loved one for your past behavior, or choose to call your brother once a week. Decide to take action.
2. Set Measurable Goals
Measurable goals are those that answer questions such as “how much” or “how many.” For instance, saying “I want to go to counseling meetings” is not something you can measure. But if you plan to go to one meeting per week, you can determine whether you met the goal or not.
3. Be Realistic
Setting goals that you know will be hard to reach can cause too much stress. You may get frustrated and feel like a failure. These feelings can lead to relapse. So if a goal seems too big, break it down into smaller segments.
Follow these guidelines if you feel overwhelmed:
- Recognize the difference between a dream and a goal
- Focus on what you want, rather than what you don’t want
- Think of yourself as capable, strong, and confident
- Accept the past and focus on the future
- Reach out for support and guidance
Also, think about what you would like to change in your life. These could include relationships, careers, finances, lifestyle, and personal development.
4. Choose Meaningful Goals
Remember, your recovery is a personal journey. If you set goals that aren’t meaningful to you, skipping them will be easy. Instead, choose something that makes you feel good about yourself, such as working out at a gym or playing sports. Exercise relieves stress and improves health, which can help you stay sober.
5. Be Ambitious, But Don’t Overcommit
Setting goals can be easy in some respects. You might find that you’re motivated and eager to succeed in recovery. As a result, you may set too many goals and realize that you cannot reach them all. If this happens, remember that missing out on a goal does not mean you have failed. It means you need to step back and work out a different plan. Being ambitious is great if you don’t overdo it.
Recovery Goals Begin at Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida
The crucial first step in reaching addiction recovery goals begins with professional treatment. Our program helps clients understand the reasons for addiction and learn the skills needed for avoiding substance use in the future. We help clients gain self-esteem, motivation, and confidence for maintaining sobriety.
If you want to know more about our program, call us at 866.294.5306 today or use the online form provided. One of our representatives will be available any time to tell you about our effective, customized approach to treatment. Begin your recovery journey at Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida today.
