DARN-C
Change Talk
SMART Goals
Goal Check
100

What does the D in DARN-C Stand for?

Desire

100
Which statement is change talk?


A. "You need to stop using."

B. "I want to be a better parent."

B. "I want to be a better parent."

100

What does the S in SMART stand for?

Specific

100

Which goal is Measurable?

A. "I will try harder."

B."I will call one sober support person before Friday."

B."I will call one sober support person before Friday."

200

What type of change talk is this?

"If I stop using, I could rebuild trust."

Reason

200

Someone says, "I can do this."

Which DARN-C type of change talk are they expressing?

Ability

200

What does the M in SMART stand for?

Measurable

200

Which goal is more Achievable?
A. "I will fix every relationship I have damaged this week."
B."I will write down one relationship I want to begin repairing and identify one step I can take."

B."I will write down one relationship I want to begin repairing and identify one step I can take."

300

What type of change talk is this?

"I can ask for help."

Ability
300

Someone says, "I want to be a better parent."

What is the best way to respond?


A. "You need to take treatment seriously."
B. "Being a better parent is important to you."

B. "Being a better parent is important to you."

300

Name all five parts of SMART.

Specific

Measurable

Achievable

Relevant

Time-limited

300

Which goal is Relevant to recovery?

A."I will clean my whole house."
B."I will clean my bedroom this weekend so my living space feels less stressful and supports my recovery."

B."I will clean my bedroom this weekend so my living space feels less stressful and supports my recovery."

400

Identify the DARN-C category for each one:
"I want to be sober."
"I need to stop using."

"I can come to group."

"I want to be sober." - Desire
"I need to stop using." - Need

"I can come to group." - Ability

400

Someone says, "I need to stop using."

Which response correctly reflects the change talk?

A. "You are recognizing that substance use is getting in the way of your life."

B. "You have to stop using."

A. "You are recognizing that substance use is getting in the way of your life."

400

Which goal is more Specific?
A. "I will do better."

B. "I will attend all scheduled treatment groups this week."

B. "I will attend all scheduled treatment groups this week."

400

Which goal is Time-Limited?

A."I will call a sober support."

B."I will call one sober support person before Friday at 5:00 pm."

B."I will call one sober support person before Friday at 5:00 pm."

500

Correctly Identify all five types of change talk: 

"I want my kids back."

"It would help me stay out of jail."

"I think I can make it to group this week."

"I will call my sponsor tonight."

"I need to stop using."

"I want my kids back." - Desire

"It would help me stay out of jail." - Reason

"I think I can make it to group this week." - Ability

"I will call my sponsor tonight." - Commitment

"I need to stop using." - Need

500

Which of these questions allows someone to talk about their own reasons for change?

A. "You know you need to stop using, right?"
B. "What makes stopping use important to you?"
C. "Why don't you just change your friends?"

B. "What makes stopping use important to you?"

500
Consider this goal:

"I will call one sober support person before Friday."

Explain how it meets all five parts of SMART. 

Specific: Call ONE sober support person

Measurable: ONE phone call/person

Achievable: Realistic and manageable

Relevant: Builds recovery support

Time-Limited: Before Friday

500

Your team is given this SMART recovery goal:

"I will practice one coping skill each evening for the next seven days."
Identify all five SMART components.

Specific: Practice one coping skill

Measurable: Once each evening

Achievable: Small and realistic

Relevant: Helps manage cravings and emotions

Time-Limited: For the next seven days.