Each day we wake up with a chance to write our own story. Each year is a new chapter, and the details you fill the pages with will largely depend on you. If you are recovering from a substance abuse disorder, it may seem difficult to write your own story, but it is possible. Since it is January, there is a whole year ahead of you to make strides in your recovery. We have collected a few resolutions that may fit your goals for the upcoming year.
1. Resolve to Find Help
Whether you are just starting out on your recovery journey or you are well on the road to sobriety, achieving recovery is difficult without a supportive environment. Reach out for professional help. For you that might be spending time in rehab, or it could be a simple weekly session with a therapist. Finding the right support system is individualized, so don’t be discouraged if the first professional system isn’t a perfect fit. Keep trying.
2. Actively Participate in Groups
It can be hard to open up about your struggles, especially when you want to be perceived as in control of your life, but participating in a group setting is an important stepping stone in your recovery journey. Resolve to attend a group regularly, whether that is a therapy session in a rehab setting, an outpatient program or 12-step meetings. Make it a goal to participate at least once during each session, even if it is just to agree with another sharer or offer your support.
3. Reach out to Friends and Family
Poor familial relationships are not an uncommon problem for many adults, none more so than those in recovery. Reach out to friends and family in the new year to rebuild broken relationships. Express your commitment to sobriety, and mend bridges were necessary. Remember, not every relationship can or needs to be saved, so pick the relationships that are most important to you and focus on those. Having a support system is important to your recovery.
4. Work on Maintaining Healthy Relationships
People living with substance abuse disorders have a difficult time maintaining healthy relationships. As a person in recovery, it is a good idea to make a resolution to maintain healthy relationships (and rid yourself of unhealthy ones). This type of resolution takes a fair amount of introspection, and you will need to examine your relationships, the reason for their health (or lack thereof) and you must be willing to accept blame where it is necessary.
Finding your footing during the substance abuse recovery journey can feel really difficult. Setting small, manageable goals may make it feel a bit less daunting.
If you are currently on the journey of recovery and need additional resources, contact us today.
