The new year is dawning. With it come those dreaded new year’s resolutions. Many Americans will wish for weight loss, financial security, or the perfect relationship in the new year. But millions of Americans in recovery from drug or alcohol abuse will strive for a different goal. They’ll wish for the strength to remain sober for another 365 days. Sobriety is the prime directive for those touched by addiction. Accordingly, it’s necessary to set sober goals. If this includes you or someone you love, these three tips for setting sober goals in the new year could be beneficial.
I Will Reach Out When I Need Help
If you’ve battled addiction in your lifetime, asking for help is probably difficult. Many people have trouble reaching out, even when in crisis because help was rarely available in childhood. It’s also possible caretakers discouraged you from asking because it held the risk of letting secrets out. Homes that involve one or more caretakers engaged in drug or alcohol abuse are often filled with secrets.
Children raised in secretiveness find it almost impossible to ask for help when they need it. This is a major contributor to addiction. It’s easier to turn to drugs or alcohol for relief than it is to share your feelings with another person. However, in recovery, you’ve learned that everyone needs help sometimes. Therefore, it’s perfectly okay to admit when it’s your turn.
Make it one of your sober goals this year to reach out to your supportive recovery network for help when needed. Likewise, be as available as you feel comfortable with for others who need help.
I Will Work to Stay Out of Harm’s Way
It’s unnecessary to isolate yourself at home to remain sober. But it is vital to avoid being dragged into dangerous situations. Be careful what and who you commit to this year. Don’t feel as though you’re obligated to accept every social invitation that lands in your email. Steer clear of social activities that take place in the local bar or nightclub. And turn down party invitations that ask you to BYOB. Avoid people and situations that cause you personal stress.
This year, work every day to avoid the people, places, and situations that trigger you. Afterward, don’t feel guilty for declining.
I Will Put My Recovery First
It’s good to help others and to be a source of kindness in your community. But this doesn’t require you to stretch yourself so thin you break. For this reason, make it your new year’s resolution to put yourself and your recovery first this year. Sober goals include getting enough sleep every night, eating three healthy meals a day, and taking time for fun activities that don’t involve drugs or alcohol. Additionally, they also involve saying no when you need to. Your recovery is too important to risk letting yourself become overworked or rundown. Therefore, set your sober goals high. Choose your own sobriety over other people’s motives.
Insight Recovery Centers Can Help You Set Sober Goals
If your new year’s resolutions include sober living goals, Insight Recovery Centers in Northern Virginia is ready to help. We offer an excellent level of care for clients facing substance use disorder and mental wellness concerns. Through our outpatient program, you or your loved one can find relief from addiction and enjoy a lifetime of sobriety.
Make recovery the most important part of your new year’s resolutions, and let Insight Recovery Centers help you with your sober living goals. Visit us online today or call 703.592.6946 to learn more about our drug and alcohol addiction treatment program in Northern Virginia.
