There are many challenges on the path to sobriety. Having a long-term goal can provide motivation and a sense of purpose for recovering addicts, helping them stay motivated and on track long after they stop using drugs or alcohol.
Don’t know where to begin setting smart recovery goals?
Let’s explore a few of the best long-term sobriety goals you can set.
Determining Long-Term Goals For Sobriety
Sobering up is just the beginning of a life without vices. While you may have come a long way, you will discover that sobriety is just the beginning of a long and fulfilling journey.
Using recovery goals as a compass can help you navigate through uncharted waters and move in the right direction consciously.
Setting smart recovery goals and achieving them can be achieved through several systems. As a general rule, you should be clear about what you want and what steps you need to take to achieve it.
Having a way to measure your goals is also very helpful. If you want to give yourself a sense of modest urgency, add a deadline to them.
Long-Term Goals To Set During Sobriety
Join a Recovery Program
The most important thing on your to-do list should be staying sober. You will have little chance of achieving your recovery goals if you do not maintain your sobriety.
Recovery, whether it’s through 12-step programs or other forms of aftercare, should be the top priority for every recovering addict.
However, staying sober and adhering to a recovery program is too broad an objective. The following examples show how you can divide this goal into smaller, measurable steps.
- Go to one 12-step meeting every day
- Make amends to someone from your resentment list each month
- Pick up your yearly anniversary chip
- Rework the 12 steps once a year
- Speak to your sponsor or mentor on a daily basis
Pay It Forward
Being surrounded by a supportive network of people can make all the difference in the recovery process. In order to do that, we must pay it forward and help others achieve or maintain long-term sobriety.
As you build and nurture this relationship, you will not only be able to help others but also maintain a fresh outlook on long-term sobriety.
- Serve as a sponsor to other recovering addicts
- Call at least one recovering addict each day
- Join aftercare and 12-step groups
- Extend a hand in need each time you are asked
- Contribute to at least one service commitment in a 12-step group per year
Engage in Holistic Practices
Having achieved sobriety, you know by now the importance of not only treating symptoms but rather tackling the root cause of the problem.
A holistic addiction treatment addresses the addict’s physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual needs. Holistic treatments address the underlying causes of addiction, not just the symptoms.
In order to maintain a healthy program of sobriety, recovering addicts can incorporate many holistic practices and recovery goals into their lives.
Examples of holistic practices for recovery include:
- Meditate once per day
- Exercise at least 3 times per week for 30 minutes
- Take an art class
- Do yoga twice a week
- Reduce intake of stimulants like caffeine and sugar
Go To Therapy
Speaking with a mental health specialist is a good idea for anyone recovering from addiction, regardless of whether they have a co-occurring disorder or not.
There are more benefits to consulting a mental health specialist than just dealing with psychological disorders. They can also give us unbiased advice regarding everyday situations.
Mental health specialists and life coaches can help remove some stress from our lives.
The following are some great long-term sobriety goals to set during therapy:
- Go see a therapist each week
- Journal at least once a week to keep a check on how you are feeling
Beginning With The Right Approach
The best rehab centers know how crucial it is to begin recovery on the right foot. Maintaining a healthy program and long-term sobriety begins with creating a solid foundation during the pink cloud days of recovery.
By attending a rehab center that understands these principles, you will be on your way to a solid start.
Let us help you begin your recovery the right way by contacting Outpatient LA.