How Can You Prepare Yourself and Your Sobriety for the New Year?

The end of the year is quickly approaching, which means people will be setting goals and making resolutions for the coming year. However, perhaps we should ask whether making resolutions is really effective. Do people set unrealistic goals for themselves thinking they'll have plenty of time to achieve them? How can those of us in recovery prepare ourselves and our sobriety for the New Year by setting small, realistic goals to focus on throughout those 365 days? Figuring out how to prepare yourself for the coming year can make all the difference in maintaining sobriety. 

Of course, before anyone can focus on sobriety, they must first focus on treatment. West Coast Recovery Centers can help you build and maintain a life of sobriety, purpose, and fulfillment. We offer a variety of traditional and non-traditional addiction treatment methods implemented through individualized care plans. Before worrying about preparing for the new year, focus on achieving sobriety. Let us help you achieve your treatment and recovery goals today. 

Why Do People Make Resolutions Every Year?

Every year, individuals make resolutions for several reasons. According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), some of the most common resolutions people typically make include improving their finances, losing weight, exercising more, quitting smoking, or focusing on self-care. Motivating factors for making these resolutions also vary, such as a need for renewal, a desire for self-improvement, or a hope of achieving personal growth. 

Good intentions typically field resolutions. However, the execution can be unsuccessful. For example, weight loss is pretty common, but instead of consulting a doctor or making dietary changes, people experiment with unhealthy weight loss methods. 

The DHS also claims many individuals follow through with resolutions and enjoy the positive effects of changing their behaviors. Of course, everyone's different. Not everyone successfully achieves their goals and resolutions for the new year. So why is accomplishing resolutions so challenging for some? 

Why Do People Struggle With Accomplishing Their Resolutions?

People struggle to accomplish their resolutions for a number of reasons. That may include: 

• Waning motivation as the year continues 
• Struggling with negative thought patterns 
• Procrastinating because they're afraid of failure 
• Lacking consistency or follow-through 
• Setting unrealistic goals that are too big to reach in just a year 

So if the success of a resolution has something to do with setting a realistic and achievable goal, is getting sober a good resolution?

Is New Year's a Good Time to Get Sober?

Whether or not New Year's is a good time to get sober may depend on the person. It can be a good time to make significant life-saving changes. However, people should feel motivated to seek treatment any day of the year. Having the support of friends and family can help, but not everyone has that. So, if getting sober is on your mind this new year, discuss treatment options with your doctor and mental health professional and start reaching out to addiction treatment centers now. 

Seeking Treatment for the First Time This New Year

Individuals seeking treatment for the first time this new year may feel overwhelmed. There are many treatment options available when struggling with addiction. Finding the right program will depend on your situation. That's why reaching out to friends, family, doctors, and professionals is crucial. 

How Can You Prepare Yourself for the Newyear and Staying Motivated to Maintain Sobriety

Those already sober may struggle with staying motivated to maintain their long-term sobriety. Individuals can become bored with their recovery routines and trying to maintain recovery can seem daunting. The key is finding things to help you stay motivated especially as the new year begins. 

Your motivators for staying sober may include connecting with friends and family, reinforcing your relapse prevention plan, and regularly meeting with a support system. The new year may even be a difficult time for you. With everyone making resolutions, people celebrating with substance use, and the chaos of celebrations, it's now a wonder it could be a challenge. Identifying why you've chosen sobriety and reminding yourself of what you hope to achieve in your sobriety can help balance the challenges. 

Are There Steps You Can Take To Prepare Yourself and Your Sobriety for the Coming Year?

So, how can you look forward to the new year while staying sober? Here are some tips to consider: 

• Prioritize sober environments 
• Find new sober ways to have fun 
• Avoid triggers and cravings 
• Set boundaries with unsupportive people 
• Celebrate each and every day of sobriety  
• Establish realistic and achievable goals 
• Rely on your peer support team and professional resources 
• Care for your mental, physical, and spiritual well-being

You don't have to make a resolution to enjoy the New Year. Sobriety is something to work toward every day and it's okay to need extra support. Call West Coast Recovery Centers for additional support today. 

The new year is a weird time. People overuse substances in celebration and expect to make life-changing resolutions the next day. Some struggle to fulfill their resolutions. Is that because their resolutions are unrealistic? Perhaps, but at the end of the day, any substantial life changes require hard work, time, and determination. Some utilize this time of year to get sober, but for those already sober, it can be tricky to stay motivated in the new year. However, finding motivators, connecting with peers, and utilizing additional resources can help. To learn about what support and resources we can offer to help you prepare yourself and your sobriety for the new year, call West Coast Recovery Centers at (760) 492-6509 today.