As the New Year draws closer, many people start thinking about their goals, what they accomplished in the current year, and what they hope to achieve the following year. It’s a common time to take inventory of where you are and where you want to be. This is especially true for those in recovery. Addiction and mental health are considerable challenges, and the motivation of a fresh new year can be the perfect time to set sober goals.
If you’re unhappy with your relationship with drugs or alcohol, you can find the support you need to achieve your sober goals by enrolling in rehab. Promises Brazos Valley can help you set and accomplish your New Year’s resolutions with a customized recovery plan. Call 979.426.0086 to discuss which of our addiction treatment programs is right for you.
Why You Should Make New Year’s Resolutions for Recovery
Something about a brand new year motivates many people to start thinking about setting goals, often related to health—such as losing weight, stopping smoking, or quitting drugs or alcohol. While you can set goals any time of year, taking advantage of the natural momentum of a new year can give you a leg up on your recovery goals.
Are you considering making New Year’s resolutions related to your recovery? Here are a few reasons you should:
- Setting sober goals provides clarity and a sense of direction.
- Making New Year’s resolutions that you share with your loved ones creates accountability, which can help you stay on track.
- Setting recovery goals for yourself helps to cultivate a positive mindset that change is possible.
- Focusing on recovery in the new year helps you build self-compassion by letting go of perfectionism and celebrating small wins.
Of course, your New Year’s resolutions don’t have to be all about recovery, but if you’re trying to attain a sober lifestyle, you should make your recovery part of your plan for a new year and a new you.
How to Set Sober Goals for the New Year
If you need some goal-setting inspiration for your recovery, here are some tips for preparing your New Year’s resolutions.
Take Some Time to Reflect
Before you set your recovery goals, consider where you are in the present moment and what brought you there. Have you made progress toward sobriety, or do you feel that you’re currently at rock bottom? This will give you a starting point for growth in the new year.
Choose SMART Goals
SMART goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. You want to get clear on your intentions and make it easy to track your progress. For people in recovery, this can mean anything from tapering their alcohol servings each week to achieving a certain number of days without drugs or alcohol.
Break Goals Into Manageable Mini-Goals
It can be tempting to go big and set a goal for the entire year without touching substances, but it’s often more effective to break that goal into smaller steps. For example, select certain milestones, such as monthly, weekly, and even daily goals for abstinence. Then, celebrate your wins, even a single day without drugs or alcohol. This helps build a positive momentum to keep you motivated and feeling good about your ability to achieve sobriety.
Connect with Promises Brazos Valley and Get Support for Your Recovery Goals
Start the new year off on the right foot by contacting Promises Brazos Valley for help with your goal of achieving a sober lifestyle. Whether you’re just starting and need the structured support of residential treatment or motivation to maintain your recovery through an aftercare or alumni group, we have an ideal program. Call 979.426.0086 or complete our online form to discuss our treatment options.