The Importance of Setting Goals. A prominent feature was the difficulty

participants had faced when planning their way forward. Emphasis was placed on the need to set both short and long term goals. In recovery, it is imperative for individuals to plan their way forward as life after rehabilitation is often very different to a life of active substance use (Elements Behavioral Health, 2010). Those in recovery often display an initial excitement centred on sobriety and the idea of progressing in their lives. However, participants would become frustrated when they did not always know what choices to make. Their perceptions about their goals are as follows:

S: “I chose to leave my studies… it was a dumb choice to make… Knowing that I do want to get out of my work environment and I do want to go study further… but obviously the funds are not there”

A participant spoke about how he regretted having left his studies, especially as he was at an advanced stage. This he had done in the early stages of his recovery and upon reflection concluded it was not a good decision. He believed the choice was made at a time when he did not set milestones, which left him hesitant about what goals he needed to achieve and therefore had made a rash decision. However, after much deliberation, he had set the goal of resuming his studies in the future so that he could complete his academic degree. This, he believes, has provided him with motivation to also maintain his sobriety. Although it is important for an individual to establish detailed goals and revisit those goals, it may be helpful in early recovery to provide an individual with knowledge and guidance that supports and facilitates his or her recovery (Elements Behavioral Health, 2010)

Upon further questioning pertaining to goal setting, the participants stated that they needed to prioritise and be patient in their recovery. They felt that in early recovery it was not so, frequently resulting in frustration and discouragement. The evidence of their thoughts is as follows:

S: “When you're in recovery you need to prioritise a lot… I found it difficult… ‘cause I want to do everything in whole… You always try and move forward… but then you actually move 10 steps back… but you moving one step forward… Realistically you have to set a 10 year plan for yourself”

It is believed that one needs to display a degree of perseverance as participants were often dissuaded by the lack of visible progress being made in their recovery, especially within the

earlier phase of recovery. With their growth in awareness, they had to set various milestones so that they were not discouraged. Anthony (2000) corroborates these findings by suggesting that ex-users may find it helpful to change their perspectives of what growth is in their recovery versus a life in active use. Anthony (2000) also writes that it is vital for those in recovery to set small milestones for themselves, rather than setting difficult goals that may appear unachievable and therefore demotivate individuals. A lack of preparation after treatment often creates the potential for an individual to struggle in their recovery. Sufficient recovery planning is achieved by setting goals that are well-formulated, specific and realistically achievable (American

Addiction Centers, 2014).

The participants shared some of the experiences that they felt was progression for them.

A participant believed that it was not merely felt by him, but was achieved together along with his fiancé. For this participant, there was a lot of emphasis placed on progressing together, rather than by himself, which in turn served to motivate him, too. This is evident by the following extract:

S: “That the breadwinner just doesn’t consist of one person… It consists of two people…

and it’s always that other person that will help you through that recovery.”

Moreover, other participants spoke about materialistic items that they had gained. There was a great sense of attainment as the participants spoke about their ability to plan and save up financially towards objects that they struggled with previously due to their substance use. Also, the participants’ behaviours had been positively reinforced by others. This occurred when they had received gifts, which did not happen previously as there was no trust present. Regaining peoples’ trust was a significant step for the participants as this symbolised a reconnection with certain people.

S: “They said you’ll see the small gifts… even though you’re not seeing it now”

R: “Material things… stuff I never had… like I have an apartment now, full of stuff. Yes I didn’t buy all of it. I was blessed with a lot of it… But where in my active addiction would people bless me with stuff like that… I have things I can call my own also that I bought for myself…”

Previous studies have found that individuals often set a goal to make amends with regards to their lost or damaged relationships with family members or friends. However, many

experience difficulties with re-establishing bonds as family members are often exhausted by the ex-users’ past behaviours (Morris, n.d.). By making amends, those in recovery often report that family and friends begin to trust them again. However, this may be a lengthy process. It should be noted that not all relationships are mended through behavioural changes.