As you ring in the new year, you may be thinking of your resolutions for 2023. This time of year can be promising for many people, but it can be difficult for those battling substance use disorder. While others make resolutions to join a gym or cook at home, people in recovery may be asking themselves how they can stay sober or make progress in their addiction treatment. It can seem daunting to make realistic resolutions, and if not done correctly, you may set expectations too high and set yourself up for failure. That's why we've listed five real resolutions for people in recovery this year.
1. This Year I Will: Make A Plan For Relapse Prevention
Those in recovery from substance use disorder need to develop an action plan in case they feel the urge to use substances again. This can include having people to talk to and hold you accountable, like a trusted friend, sponsor, or therapist. You may also want to have a list of healthy activities you can do when you feel the urge to use, like a productive hobby or a relaxing pastime. For instance, physical exercise is a great way to relieve stress, and finding a therapeutic hobby like knitting or gardening can do wonders for keeping your mind off of substance use. If you are struggling to avoid relapse, there are a variety of resources available to help you during this time of difficulty. You can reach out to your trusted contact, lean on your support system, or seek professional help for substance abuse at Gateway Rehab.
2. This Year I Will: Take Care Of Myself
Taking care of yourself doesn't only include looking out for your physical well-being; it means taking time to nurture the mind, body, and spirit with healthy physical activities, relaxation techniques, and spiritual practices. Make time for self-care this year by embracing your alone time and finding ways to engage in creative, meaningful activities. Whether it’s walking and listening to nature, joining a book club, or taking up yoga and meditation, developing and caring for your emotional health is an important part of recovery from substance use disorder. At Gateway Rehab, our specialists lead yoga and zentangle groups to nourish your mind, body, and spirit as you go through recovery.
3. This Year I Will: Talk About My Recovery In A Positive Way
Many people who struggle with substance abuse struggle to view recovery as a positive experience. This year, challenge yourself to reframe the conversation about your recovery and talk about it in a positive light. Instead of viewing your recovery as something you have to do or be forced into, focus on how recovery is helping you become the best version of yourself and giving you control over your own life. When talking about your experience with addiction and recovery, be honest and open with others in a way that reflects the progress you’ve made rather than how much more work you need to do.
4. This Year I Will: Create A Strong Support Network
Having a strong support system is essential to a successful recovery. This year, focus on building a support network made up of sober friends and trusted professionals. This includes seeking out professional help when needed, like mental health services or treatment programs, joining support groups, attending 12-step meetings, and engaging in positive social activities with others in recovery. Having people who support your recovery will allow you to be held accountable and receive emotional support for the difficult times of your recovery journey.
5. This Year I Will: Reach Out For Help
The first and most important step of your recovery journey is to reach out for help. Whether it’s through friends, family, or professional resources like Gateway Rehab, finding a support system to lean on and talk to can be the difference between success and failure. Reach out to those you trust and let them know that you need help with your recovery. Knowing that you are never alone in this journey will make all the difference as you work toward your sobriety goals. There are a variety of treatment options available to help you recover from substance use disorder, ranging from inpatient treatment programs and medication-assisted treatment to outpatient programs and support groups. Don't hesitate to reach out for the help you need this year.
If you are looking for help this year, but don't know how to find a good rehab facility, let the experts at Gateway Rehab help. Our addiction treatment programs focus on healing your mind, body, and spirit to help you find a new purpose in your life of recovery. We also provide a variety of accessible substance abuse programs at our Center of Excellence treatment facility for those receiving Medicaid. Bring in the new year by focusing on your self-improvement and recovery goals by scheduling an appointment at Gateway Rehab today.
At Gateway Rehab, our priority is to guide patients toward a life of sustained recovery. Our team recognizes that not every patient shares the same path to sobriety, and that is why we customize treatment options that address each individual’s personal needs and goals. If you or a loved one are currently struggling with addiction, we are here to help. Schedule your first appointment with one of our recovery centers today or call 1-800-472-1177 for more information.
