6 Goals of Drug & Alcohol Rehab: Goals of Addiction Treatment
Seeking substance use disorder (SUD) treatment is both a brave and essential first step. From medical detox to outpatient addiction treatment programs, a full continuum of care is available to meet you at any recovery stage.1 Understanding the goals of addiction treatment and how they align with your personal journey is essential. Keep reading to learn more about the goals of rehab and how to get started on recovery.
1. Address the Root Causes of Addiction
There are several factors that contribute to the development of a drug or alcohol addiction, such as genetics and environment.2 By addressing addiction’s underlying factors, you can build a strong foundation for recovery based on healing and mental wellness.2
When in rehab, working with counselors, therapists, and even with other patients in recovery can help you identify what your specific root causes of your addiction may be. Talking about them out loud with counselors and therapists, acknowledging to yourself that they fuel your addictive tendencies, and working to develop skills to help reduce the intensity of them is vital in building a strong foundation of recovery.
2. Identify Triggers
Similar to identifying root causes of addiction, it is equally important to figure out what prompts, or “triggers” you to want to use drugs or alcohol. Triggers may include certain people, places, or even tangible items, and being in treatment gives you the opportunity to learn how to handle them when you encounter them.
One component of addiction treatment that is especially effective in helping achieve this goal is group counseling, which is typically available in all levels of care. Support groups, along with groups that focus on skills development and cognitive behavioral therapy, can offer you the tools you need to manage your triggers in the future without turning to the use of drugs or alcohol.
3. Learn Positive Coping Strategies
While using alcohol and drugs to cope may bring temporary relief, doing so won’t ever make your life “better”. In fact, it is usually the opposite – leaning on addictive substances to deal with challenges will only add more to your plate as time presses on. Being in a therapeutic setting exposes you to a variety of new ways to cope with the things that you believe make your life hard and seemingly unmanageable.
Developing coping skills in treatment can involve exploring barriers and focusing on your strengths.3 Some treatment centers offer therapeutic activities, like mindfulness practices, art therapy, and even exercise to establish and strengthen new coping skills. Support groups provide another positive environment to gain new coping skills, as sharing with and listening to others in recovery can inspire the types of coping skills you embrace.
4. Develop a Strong Support Network
Addiction is a highly isolating experience, therefore social support is critical for sustained recovery.4 Strong support systems provide a sense of community and belonging that can keep you accountable and on track in your recovery.4
For example, your counselors can serve as a pillar of support and encouragement throughout your journey while in treatment. Additionally, you can connect with peers in recovery while in treatment, as well as through outpatient support groups, such as 12-Step programs.4
Going to treatment can give you the opportunity to help rebuild relationships with your loved ones, adding another layer to your support network. As you improve connections, your family and friends will learn more about helping a loved one with addiction during and after treatment, allowing them to support you in ways that are conducive to your sobriety.
5. Make Amends
Forgiveness is a vital goal of addiction treatment. Recognizing who you’ve harmed and determining when to make amends can help you advance in recovery. Forgiving yourself is just as crucial. Taking accountability while giving yourself grace can reduce barriers to recovery progress, like guilt and shame. As you make amends, you’ll learn from past mistakes and become a better version of yourself.
Group and family therapy provides a safe space to work through these challenges with the guidance of a mental health professional. For example, a therapist can help you and your loved ones express yourselves and effectively communicate to foster healthier relationships.
Twelve-Step programs also provide a safe space to recognize and address your faults. The Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous include essential milestones, like taking a moral inventory, admitting your wrongs, identifying those you’ve harmed, and directly making amends with them.5 Completing each step can promote healing for you and your loved ones.
6. Develop Aftercare Plans
Addiction specialists recommend remaining in rehab aftercare, like ongoing therapy, sober living, or peer support groups, once completing an initial program.6 Rehab aftercare provides continuous support and encouragement to keep you moving forward in recovery while reducing relapse risks.6
The structure and continued support provided in aftercare strengthen coping skills while practicing them in real time. You’ll have unwavering support from peers in recovery with similar goals. Aftercare can help you enhance other life aspects, like education, employment, and housing to create a stable recovery foundation.1 You’ll benefit from assistance with the transition to life after treatment.
How to Start the Recovery Journey
If you or a loved one is ready to embark on your recovery journey, help is available. Convincing someone to go to rehab can be challenging, but gentle encouragement may help them recognize the benefits of treatment. Start by reaching out to your primary care physician or an addiction specialist. They can highlight signs it’s time for rehab and determine the best level of care for your situation.
At American Addiction Centers (AAC), we can also help you start recovery. Our admissions navigators can answer your questions, including those about using health insurance to pay for rehab, choosing the right rehab facility, and more. We’re here to offer guidance every step of the way. Contact us right now at to explore your recovery options and start your journey to a happier, healthier life.