10 Great New Year Resolutions for People in Recovery

Make your sober resolution stick this holiday season with these 10 tips

New Year is often thought to be a new beginning, a fresh start for many people. Putting the past behind us, New Year resolutions for people in recovery is a pledge to end the pain and suffering of addiction and the promise of a bright and happy future. Resolutions are not simply a wish list for recovering addicts but they are the pursuit of healing and wholeness in body, mind and spirit. Below is a list if ten great New Year resolutions for people in recovery:

1. Follow through with a plan of addiction recovery that includes a detox, individual and group counseling, support group meetings and family counseling. Engage in whatever type of therapy or counseling you need to get free from the past and make your sober resolutions stick for the future.
2. You will need a support group to identify and socialize with. Your peers understand your struggles because they are battling many of the same demons. Recovering addicts often share their stories and tips on how they manage to stay sober and focused on what is important. They are also there to help one another be accountable for their actions.
3. Find yourself a good addiction counselor or therapist who will help you get through the bad times, and offer insight into solving negative thought and behavior patterns. Recovery is a process of healing and discovery. You may learn many things about yourself that you were not aware of before. And you will begin to recognize the things that need to be changed for the better.
4. Make new friends who do not drink and take drugs. Try new activities and learn to have fun. Maybe you have a passion for something like playing an instrument, oil painting, cooking, sports or travel. When you do what you love it will bring great satisfaction and joy. These tips for recovery resolutions will help you create a new life with purpose and contentment.
5. Break old patterns of behavior that led you to using drugs or alcohol. Maybe you stopped off at the bar everyday after work to have a beer with the guys and instead you would get drunk. Every former behavior pattern that led to using will have to be changed to make your sober resolution stick.
6. Take care of your physical health by eating nutritious food and staying well hydrated. Get plenty of rest and exercise to tone-up your body. You may want to join a gym or play team sports. There are all levels and types of exercise that you can do and whatever you choose will help keep your body strong, keep your mind clear, and boost your sense of well-being.
7. You may have thought about volunteering to help others as a way to “give back” to society. You can help at a local church, a homeless shelter or become a big brother or sister to an underprivileged child. If you are bi-lingual you can help others fill out forms and even help children with reading or homework. Babysitting for a single mother who has to work is another great way to help someone. Wherever there is a need, there is an opportunity to help, and you will be blessed with having meaning and purpose to your life.
8. Practice your faith in God by trusting in Him and putting yourself in His hands. You have your best friend and advocate at your side when you allow God to direct and guide you through life. Ask God to help you overcome whatever challenges you still face and never doubt that He will help you. Sometimes His help does not come in the time or way that we thought it would, but looking back you will discover that he had a better plan. God has a purpose for your life that He wants to help you fulfill.
9. Another great New Year’s resolution for people in recovery is: rid yourself of all negative thoughts and stay away from toxic people who are negative, gossips, judgmental, manipulative, liars and deceivers. You don’t need people who bring drama, pain and aggravation into your life. Stay true to yourself and take the higher road.
10. Of all the tips for recovery resolutions, this is one of the best: love yourself. Love yourself enough to make your sober resolutions stick by focusing on what is important for you and your recovery. Practice your relapse prevention techniques and keep them fresh in your mind. Avoid high-risk situations and people. And take care of your body, mind and spirit to remain healthy and whole.

Your list of ten great New Year resolutions for people in recovery will help you stay sober, focused and on the right path.  Review them often and strive to make them all a reality in your new life.

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.