The goal is sobriety. This is when the addicted individual abstains from addictive substance use or addictive behavior and stabilizes physically and psychologically. This sets the stage for later, long-term recovery.

While the goal of addiction treatment is recovery, it must be preceded by abstinence, stabilization, and sobriety. Primary treatment will provide a place to abstain from addictive use and stabilization of physical and psychological functioning which can lead to sobriety. This sets the stage for recovery, or life-long behavior changes.