Thinking about change (cont.)

Deciding on Goals

The next step in the process of change is deciding on your goals. For example:

  • When do you want to change?

  • Do you want to stop drinking or just drink less than you do now?

Remember that change is a process and it will take time. The first six months of change are usually the most difficult. 32 The period after that will be hard too, but not quite like it was in the beginning. Although getting through this process can seem very difficult, the experience of many people shows that you can change your drinking habits.

To change these habits, you must first make a decision. Think about what changes you would like to make. For example, you may decide that you want to stop drinking completely in the next year, or that you want to limit your drinking activity over the next six months.

Which of the following options would you choose? Check the box that applies:

Stop Completely Limit Drinking

Now write down some details about how you will accomplish the goal you just chose. For example, when are you planning to start? What specific things will you begin to do differently?

Copyright © Division on Addictions - Cambridge Health Alliance - Harvard Medical School