One of the most important ways that you can help to ensure that you get the best you can from your treatment is by setting goals. You can do this alone or with your doctor or healthcare provider. Either way, you should share your goals with your doctor or healthcare professional so that they can help you achieve them.

Don't be overambitious – you may plan to end up a long way from where you are today, but try and break your journey into small steps that are realistic and achievable. If you set overambitious goals, you can take a knock back by failing to reach them.

Do give yourself some dates by which you’d like to achieve each goal. You should be willing to move these dates, but at least you have something to work towards.

Do start with small things before trying to tackle major issues. Getting those right will give you the confidence to move onto the bigger things.

You also might want to take some of these tips on board:

Be patient – you didn’t get addicted overnight, you started a journey, and treatment is just one part of that personal journey.

Be realistic – there is no magic pill, your journey may be slow and you may suffer many setbacks. The important thing is to keep an eye on the horizon and remember how far you have come.

Be kind to yourself – relapses and slips are a natural part of your journey. Sometimes people in treatment can be their own harshest critics and yet your self-esteem is an important part of your recovery. The fact that you are reading this and making informed choices for your body is an achievement in itself. Recognise all your achievements, no matter how small, and accept your moments of weakness. We all have them.

Be open with your doctor – You should work towards an open relationship with your doctor. Your doctor will recognise your honesty and will know that they can trust you. Trust works both ways. When you are trusted you will find it easier to trust.

Be informed – part of getting control back over your body is to make sure that you understand what is happening to you and what your choices are at every step. Never be afraid to ask questions.