Measuring Progress

Abstract

Progress in recovery is measured according to the client’s goals. It is helpful for clients to periodically review their progress and check it against their goals. This helps clients see if they are making progress and to identify new goals and recovery strategies. Viewing progress realistically helps improve client motivation to continue working toward recovery and reinforces positive changes, no matter how small. In some cases, progress is significant and obvious. In other instances, it has to be measured in small changes. Progress can be measured in terms of cessation or reduction of substance use as well as in improvement in other areas of life or quality of life. The objectives of this chapter are to help clients evaluate progress against goals identified in their change plan, to help clients be realistic about ways in which to measure progress, and to help clients modify all-or-none beliefs about progress in order to appreciate small changes.