Overview of Goal Planning

Abstract

Recovery is a process of change in which clients improve their health and wellness. They set goals to work toward stopping substance use and learn skills to change themselves and their lifestyles so they can live substance-free. There are different paths to recovery, including individual, group, and/or family therapy; engaging in a treatment program such as a residential or nonresidential rehabilitation program; taking medications for addiction to alcohol, opioids, or nicotine; engaging in mutual support programs; participating in chat room discussions or online recovery meetings; using support from other people; and participating in community or self-growth activities that help clients sustain recovery. The goals of this chapter are for clients to begin to set and prioritize their recovery goals and to learn about the different paths and components of recovery.