The new year can be a great time to implement substance use recovery goals. While people sometimes feel pressure around this time of year to dramatically overhaul their lives, it’s important to remember that all major changes take time. While New Year’s resolutions based on substance abuse recovery can be some of the most powerful choices, remember to take this important work in stages and seek out ample support.
Looking for a great place to start this important journey of self-transformation? Contact Evoke Wellness for information about treatment and rehab aftercare services. We’re available at 866.429.2960 or by online message and have treatment centers in Massachusetts, Ohio, Illinois, and Florida.
Some Resolutions Around Substance Use
There are lots of great things you can do for yourself in the new year that will support your recovery from drug or alcohol addiction. Here are a few examples of realistic changes you could strive to make in the year ahead:
- Commit to attending a greater number of support group meetings weekly. For example, if you typically attend just one but could use additional accountability, strive to make it two or three instead.
- Set yourself a realistic fitness goal. Exercise is a powerful tool for addiction recovery because it produces endorphins and boosts confidence in personal resilience. Gift yourself a yoga subscription or gym membership, or simply commit to regular walks or a home calisthenics course.
- Put others’ needs at the forefront of your mind through volunteering. Countless studies show the enormous benefit an altruistic attitude and practice have on people in substance abuse recovery.
- Engage in self-reflection through regular journaling. It’s amazing how quickly a 15-minute daily writing practice can increase emotional understanding and self-awareness.
- Get your finances in order by setting yourself a realistic budget and tracking your spending. Building savings can be empowering, not to mention useful for helping you build a healthy, happy, sober life.
- Resolve to care for your most important relationships by putting aside quality time for the people you care about at least once a week. This doesn’t have to be complicated. Just reach out, book the time, and do something you both enjoy.
You don’t have to go about tackling your recovery goals alone. Consider seeing a professional, like a nutritionist, who could provide tips on what type of dietary changes might give you the greatest positive benefit. Then, work to implement their advice by tracking what you eat, exploring healthier restaurants, or resolving to cook more meals at home.
Professional Recovery Services Can Help
If you’re committed to recovery, the sky’s the limit for healthy changes in the new year. Wherever you are on the journey, remember that there are great resources out there to support you and many people who are in the same situation you are. If you’re just starting out, consider entering a formal treatment program, as this will provide the highest level of support. Here, you’ll benefit from services like medically assisted detox, individual therapy, dual diagnosis support for any co-existing mental health condition you may have, and group therapy.
Active Addiction Treatment Is the First Step
Recovery programs can take a number of forms, including inpatient, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient. Inpatient programs involve round-the-clock supervision and care within a rehab center and typically span one to three months. They’re considered the most intensive level of care and are a highly effective first step for many. Following this, it’s often wise to follow up with a partial hospitalization program or intensive outpatient program. In both cases, you can spend evenings at home but will still need to show up for in-person treatment multiple times per week.
Continue with Ongoing Aftercare Support
Aftercare groups are key for success among many people in long-term recovery. While completing various levels of formal treatment is a great start, it’s simply essential to make sure you care for yourself in the long term. For many, this means committing to an alumni program, engaging in regular 12-step or other group meetings, and continuing to receive therapy and support. Maintaining a recovery community of like-minded people similarly committed to health and sobriety is a game-changer when life throws you curveballs.
Evoke Wellness offers support for your recovery journey. With locations in Massachusetts, Ohio, Illinois, and Florida, the help you deserve is closer than you think.
Contact Evoke Wellness and Get the Help You Deserve
Get help making your New Year’s resolutions that serve your recovery goals by contacting Evoke Wellness. We’re available online or at 866.429.2960, and our caring team looks forward to connecting with you. Reach out today to start preparing the way for a healthier, happier, and more self-empowered new year.
