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Goal setting and recovery from alcoholism
1School of Nursing, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee 53201.
Archives of Psychiatric Nursing
|June 1, 1991
Summary
Understanding the goals of individuals in alcoholism treatment is key to effective recovery. This study identifies four stages of goal progression in recovering alcoholics, highlighting behaviors that aid or hinder their journey.
Area of Science:
- Addiction research
- Psychology
- Sociology
Background:
- Effective alcoholism treatment requires understanding patient-defined goals.
- Previous models may not fully capture the dynamic nature of recovery goals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a model of goal progression for recovering alcoholics.
- To identify behaviors that facilitate or inhibit goal advancement in treatment.
Main Methods:
- Ethnography and grounded theory were employed.
- 28 days of participant observation in a treatment center.
- Interviews with 42 recovering alcoholics.
Main Results:
- Recovering alcoholics' goals progress through four distinct stages.
- Specific behaviors are necessary to advance between stages.
- Factors facilitating and inhibiting goal progression were identified.
Conclusions:
- Alcoholism treatment effectiveness is enhanced by aligning with patient-identified goals.
- A staged model of goal progression provides a framework for understanding recovery.
- Identifying behavioral facilitators and inhibitors can inform treatment strategies.