Recovery Goals Beyond Abstinence
Choose an everyday change that would make life better for you. This sheet adds a practical goal to discuss alongside your substance-use and treatment goals; it does not replace or redefine those goals.
For: People seeking help or planning their own support · 2 PDF pages
No email or account is required. Use the PDF or printed spaces for private notes. This guide does not collect worksheet answers. Save and reopen a completed PDF to check your notes.
Care can address more than a single symptom. SAMHSA’s quality-treatment guidance includes support for other medical and practical life needs. The goal examples here are original planning ideas, not a validated measure of recovery.
Sources: [1]
Make a broad hope small enough to act on
Scroll the table sideways on a small screen to compare all columns.
| Hope | A possible next action | What I could notice |
|---|---|---|
| Feel more connected | Ask one person whether they would like to meet or talk. | I made the invitation; their answer is not under my control. |
| Keep up with care | Ask the office to clarify my next appointment and transport needs. | The date and travel arrangement are confirmed. |
| Feel less overwhelmed by paperwork | Choose one letter and ask someone to help me understand it. | I know what the letter asks and the next contact. |
| Make room for something enjoyable | Choose an activity and a realistic time to try it. | I tried it and can decide whether to do it again. |
My goal
- What matters to me
- Describe the part of life you would like to improve and why.
- My next action and support
- What I can do or ask for; who could help; one obstacle to discuss.
- When I will look again
- A date or occasion; what I will notice; how I could make the step easier or change it.