While innumerable people around the country are preparing for the new year with typical resolutions such as losing weight, exercising more, eating better or taking vacations, there are millions of Americans hoping to become drug-free in 2016.
Here are a few New Year’s recovery tips:
1. Decide – The first thing you have to do is decide that you no longer want to be addicted and lead the lifestyle that is associated with it. Making this decision automatically puts you ahead of the pack on your road to recovery, as others may still be struggling with the idea of sobriety.
2. Get help – If you haven’t done so already, enrolling in a treatment program is the best way to build a solid foundation for recovery by learning the tools you’ll need and having an opportunity to address many of the issues that have been barriers for you previously.
3. Develop a recovery plan – People aren’t magically cured after they leave a treatment center. Sustained recovery takes work and perseverance. This is something that should incorporate all areas of your life so that you can continue building on the foundation that you’ve set for your new life.
4. Stay connected – Recovery support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous and other similar meetings or organizations can be vital components to long-term sobriety. They have helped millions of people by providing a safe place to go and people to be with who share your same goal of recovery. You can also stay connected to treatment center alumni organizations, recovery advocacy groups and other similar forms of support.
5. Help others – One of the greatest aspects of 12 step groups is the action of Sponsorship. Just as having a Sponsor when you first join is beneficial to helping you through a crucial time, becoming a Sponsor is invaluable toward maintaining sobriety. This can also come in other forms, such as volunteering with your church, civic groups or other non-profit organizations. The point is to stay involved in drug-free activities designed to help other people.
Of course there are many other helpful tips for long-term recovery, but these five can help you make 2016 one that is drug-free and happy. If you have any questions or would like help implementing this now, contact us today.
During the span of eight weeks, Americans move from giving thanks, to decking the halls and then ringing in the New Year. This is supposed to be a joyous time of year, full of celebrations, family reunions and spending time with friends. But for someone in recovery, it could seem like a perfect storm, a trifecta of holiday celebrations and opportunities to stumble from the path of sober living.