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Health Behaviors & Recovery

Future Thinking and Health Behaviors

Associations between delay discounting and unhealthy behaviors in substance use recovery

Daniel A. R. Cabral; Allison N. Tegge; Candice L. Dwyer; Fatima Quddos; Rose P. Kaur; Jenny Nguyen; Liqa Athamneh; Warren K. Bickel

Drug and Alcohol Dependence

2024 September

Summary

This article explores whether delay discounting is related to health behaviors among individuals in substance use recovery. The study focuses on how strongly people value future rewards and how that future-oriented decision-making may connect to everyday behaviors that support or undermine health. The findings suggest that people who place greater value on future outcomes may be more likely to engage in healthier lifestyle choices. For recovery programs, the article highlights future-oriented thinking as a potential target for interventions aimed at improving long-term health and recovery stability.

Key Findings:

Greater focus on future rewards is linked to healthier behaviors and better lifestyle decisions.

Implications:

Strengthening future-oriented thinking may support healthier behaviors in recovery.

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