SMART Goals
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✅ 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:
- “Reduce alcohol from 6 to 3 drinks daily in 4 weeks.”
- “Use cannabis socially, not for stress relief, over 1 month.”
- “Attend one therapy session per week.”
Substance Use Intervention
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✅ 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.
Social & Environmental Support
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✅ 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.