How is a treatment goal different from a recovery goal?

A treatment goal is specifically designed and often set by a treatment team, which may include mental health professionals, while a recovery goal is centered on the individual’s personal aspirations and motivations, making it self-directed. This distinction is crucial in the realms of mental health and addiction recovery—treatment goals typically relate to the strategies and interventions outlined by professionals to address symptoms and challenges, while recovery goals emphasize the individual’s journey and the milestones they wish to achieve for their long-term well-being and independence.

The approach to recovery is more holistic, reflecting the individual's desires for their life and the changes they wish to see, in contrast to the structured and often clinical framework that defines treatment goals. This self-direction in recovery empowers individuals, allowing them to take ownership of their healing process and focus on personal growth and self-advocacy.