Goal Setting & Planning

SMART Goals

✅ Specific: Define the exact behaviour or outcome.
💡 A clear, specific goal provides a focused target and reduces ambiguity in what needs to be achieved.
✅ Measurable: Track progress with clear criteria.
💡 Measurability ensures you can objectively determine whether the goal is being met and assess progress.
✅ Achievable: Ensure goals are realistic.
💡 Setting achievable goals helps maintain motivation and provides a realistic plan of action.
✅ Relevant: Align with the client’s values and needs.
💡 Relevant goals ensure the outcome matters to the client and supports overall life or recovery priorities.
✅ Time-Bound: Set a deadline for completion.
💡 Time-bound goals create urgency and help with planning and evaluating progress within a specific timeframe.

Examples:

✅ Develop harm reduction/relapse prevention plans.
💡 Tailored harm reduction strategies reduce risks and support recovery by planning for setbacks.
✅ Explore alternative coping mechanisms (e.g., mindfulness, exercise, social engagement).
💡 Alternative coping mechanisms provide healthier ways to manage stress and cravings.
✅ Refer to detox or medical management as needed.
💡 Appropriate referrals ensure individuals receive the necessary medical support during withdrawal or crisis.
✅ Monitor cravings and triggers, adjusting strategies as required.
💡 Continuous monitoring allows for timely adjustments to intervention plans, enhancing effectiveness.
✅ Encourage self-monitoring tools (journaling, tracking use patterns).
💡 Self-monitoring promotes awareness of behavior patterns, supporting informed decisions and adjustments.

✅ Secure stable housing, employment, and peer groups.
💡 Stability in living and work conditions creates a strong foundation for sustained recovery.
✅ Strengthen support networks (family, friends, recovery groups).
💡 A robust support network provides encouragement and accountability throughout the recovery process.
✅ Address legal/financial issues affecting recovery.
💡 Resolving legal or financial challenges reduces external stressors, allowing greater focus on recovery.
✅ Assist with accessing benefits, legal aid, and social services.
💡 Access to social services enhances overall support and helps remove barriers to recovery.
✅ Connect with community resources for long-term stability.
💡 Community resources offer ongoing support, facilitating long-term recovery and reintegration.