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How to Set Goals for Recovery

a person in a farm field has hands raised after achieving many of their addiction recovery goals

When patients complete any of our addiction treatment programs, their recovery journey is far from over. Getting sober can be a complete lifestyle change, and getting to where you want to be can take time. In order to see these changes come to fruition, it is essential to set addiction recovery goals, but setting goals and achieving them is an entirely different story.

Woodland Recovery Center can provide the advice and guidance to create, reach, and even exceed your goals. Call us at 662.222.2989 today to help set your addiction recovery goals.

Tips on Setting Goals in Recovery

Especially around the New Year, many people set goals and make resolutions, but sadly, most of these goals go forgotten after just a month or two. Instead of letting your sobriety goals fall by the wayside, these tips on setting goals for recovery could help you see them come true.

Be Realistic

While it is okay to strive for new heights, do not let your optimism lead you to lofty and unachievable recovery goals. Especially if you just went through a drug detox and got sober, it is important to be realistic about what you can and cannot do in a given amount of time.

Instead of landing your dream job when you are currently unemployed, start by setting a goal in recovery to get a job in your desired field that could be a stepping stone to keep pursuing this dream. Setting realistic goals for addiction recovery can also help you feel accomplished when you do achieve them and be more motivated to continue in that direction instead of feeling defeated.

Make Them Measurable and Specific

It is easy to set recovery goals like being happier and healthier, but these vague goals are difficult to quantify. When you cannot measure your progress, it is hard to know how to pursue them or even just to stay motivated.

Instead, add measures to your goals to track your progress, like fewer than ten days with symptoms of depression in a month or exercising four times a week for at least 20 minutes. When you know exactly what to shoot for, working toward these recovery goals is easier.

Break Them Down

Setting long-term goals for sobriety is a good thing, but it can also leave you feeling overwhelmed. Avoid feeling overwhelmed and unable to take action, and divide the significant objectives into smaller, more manageable tasks with their own due dates. When these goals are broken down, they become more manageable, and it is easier to make sure you are on track to achieve them.

Quality Over Quantity

Setting smart goals for sobriety is also about prioritizing. Although having a lot you want to work toward is okay, an endless list of sobriety goals will likely leave you not knowing where to begin or spreading yourself thin trying to do too much. Create three or four fully developed and thought-out goals to pursue.

Be Patient

Learning how to set goals for recovery that will work for you takes time. There are bound to be unexpected bumps in the road and setbacks. If you miss a deadline, don’t give up and scrap the goal; change your deadline and keep pushing yourself forward.

Benefits of Setting Goals for Recovery

Setting goals for recovery plays a crucial role in the journey to overcoming addiction and mental health conditions. It provides direction, motivation, and a clear framework for measuring progress. Here are some key benefits of setting recovery goals:

  • Focus and direction – Goals give you a clear direction and purpose, helping you stay focused on your path to recovery.
  • Motivation – Achieving small, incremental goals can boost your confidence and motivate you to keep going, even when faced with challenges.
  • Measurable progress – Goals allow you to track your progress objectively, providing tangible evidence of your hard work and dedication.
  • Personalized recovery – By setting your own goals, you tailor your recovery process to your individual needs and aspirations, making it more meaningful and effective.
  • Accountability – Goals hold you accountable, encouraging you to take responsibility for your recovery.

Everyone’s recovery journey is unique, so your goals should be personal and relevant to you.

Call Woodland Recovery Center for Help with Your Sobriety Goals

At Woodland Recovery Center, we want to see our patients find long-term success in recovery. Not only do our addiction treatment programs help people overcome their addictions, but they also help people prepare for the future and build a foundation for a better life in recovery.

Contact us at 662.222.2989 today to learn more about our programs and how our team of counselors, therapists, and specialists can help you set addiction recovery goals that fit your individual needs. We are here to provide the support you need in order to make your dreams a reality.