When considering lifelong sobriety, it’s important to know what your priorities are when heading in. Though many people considering entering therapy for substance abuse may find the task of lifelong sobriety to be daunting, the process is easier with goals in mind. These goals can involve your finances, your social or family life, or just wanting to be a better person. Every person in recovery will have slightly different goals, so here’s some advice for prioritizing your recovery goals.
Break Down Large Goals into Smaller Ones
While there’s no harm in setting lofty goals for yourself, it’s important to ensure that they’re achievable. Long-term goals can sometimes become frustrating when it takes a lot of time to hit them. With this in mind, it’s important to break your larger goals into smaller ones and prioritize an order in which you can accomplish them. This will give you a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment as you achieve small wins on a consistent basis. If your goals seem unattainable, it’s easier to give up. Prior to entering a drug or alcohol addiction treatment program, know what you want to achieve. The therapists and substance abuse counselors you’ll work with will help you break those goals down and determine the best course of action for you. Furthermore, there’s no such thing as too small of a goal — any progress is a step in the right direction.
If You or a Loved One are Struggling With Substance Abuse, Dial 844.875.5609 Today
Focus On What Matters Most to You
Though loved ones may want you to achieve certain milestones, it’s important to focus on what matters most to you when you prioritize your recovery goals. Reaching goals that others have set may be fulfilling in its own right, but focusing on your own self-worth is very helpful in improving your mental health. Be sure to set goals that you can take pride in, whether others see the value or not. Sometimes, these goals can be as simple as staying sober for one day. If that’s an accomplishment that will make you happy at the end of the day, then strive to achieve it and be proud of yourself when you do, even if others want you to do more with your time.
Take Time to Discover Underlying Problems
While substance abuse may be the most obvious thing you’re struggling with, it’s important to take time to discover any underlying issues that might be driving your substance abuse. Often times, depression or anxiety are major factors in driving your behavior. Dual diagnosis therapy is instrumental in treating cases like this. When you know what’s driving your behavior, it’s important to set goals to address those issues as well. Maintaining your sobriety can help with your mental health, and addressing your mental health can help you maintain sobriety. The two are inextricably connected, so keep this in mind as you prioritize your recovery goals.
Don’t Forget to Prioritize Giving Back
One of the most useful things you can do in recovery is giving back to those who are seeking lifelong sobriety. Helping others will give you a greater sense of purpose and a feeling of personal satisfaction. Helping others will also provide you with a sense of accountability for yourself. Though the whole purpose of this process is to help yourself, a big part of that is paying the favor forward. Others have helped you on your journey towards sobriety, and when you feel confident in your recovery, it pays dividends to do the same for others. One way to achieve this is through joining a 12-step program, though there are plenty of other options as well. Research ways that you can give back, and make it a goal to do so when you’re able.
Work With a Professional to Prioritize Your Recovery Goals
Early on in your journey to recovery, figuring out your own goals and the best path to achieving them can feel difficult. The professionals at Promises in Austin, TX are ready and able to help. If you’re seeking lifelong recovery, take the first steps by getting in touch and speaking with a counselor today. Feel free to give us a call at 844.875.5609, or contact us online to start taking the steps towards achieving your goals.