It is probably not surprising that so many people decide to pursue sobriety around the winter holidays, mainly because this time of year signals both an ending an a new beginning.

Waking up on the 1st of January is like getting a clean sheet. People want to do things a bit differently than the year before. Such a change can bring many benefits to the life of the individual. For some, it will mean escaping a life of misery.

Sobriety as a New Year’s Resolution

Although millions of people make New Year’s resolutions, more than half (60 percent) fail to actually keep them, according to research out of the University of Scranton. This failure rate may be due to unrealistic expectations, lack of discipline or a loss of motivation, among other things. If rehab is a potential New Year’s resolution for you, don’t let fear of the unknown or a lack of motivation hold you back.

By overcoming your addiction, you can make 2018 the best year yet. Through sobriety, this year you can:

  • Spend money on your future. That might mean investing in treatment. It might just mean taking the money that you would have spent on drugs or alcohol and putting it toward a better version of you.
  • Make decisions you are proud of. Promise yourself the mistakes of 2017 will stay in the past. Forgive yourself for mistakes you’ve made and start living a life of integrity and honor. It’s never too late to start making better choices.
  • Face your demons. Whether it’s past trauma, depression, financial struggles or insecurity, everybody has something that plagues them. Instead of self-medicating, let 2018 be the year you get to know yourself well enough to know your demons—and then share your feelings with a trusted friend, family member or therapist.
  • Invest in your relationships. Friends and family can make the transition to sobriety easier by providing care and support. When you are sober, you can give the people in your life the time and attention they deserve. Maintaining relationships can be difficult, but the payoff is well worth it.
  • Find clarity and meaning. Without drugs or alcohol muddying your outlook, you can focus on the things in life that are important to you. Whether it’s taking up a hobby, learning a language or exploring your faith, there are so many things that can give your life fun and meaning. Make it a point this year to live intentionally.

Start on December 30th

When people resolve to be sober in the New Year, they often use this as an excuse to have one last binge on New Year’s Eve.

This is not only dangerous, but it also shows you most likely aren’t ready to stop. If you need an extra day to party, you might not be as committed to your sobriety as you think.

Utilizing Resources

For serious alcohol abusers, inpatient or outpatient rehab may be necessary, including individual, group, and therapy. The first step may be finding what options are available, and getting advice from professionals who can help develop a plan of attack.

IGotSober

This is a real-deal program designed for people that are truly, deeply ready to change. First, it medically frees you from those uncontrollable urges and cravings to drink or use opioids. That ‘desire’ that rules our lives simply goes away, for about 6 months. Now, we help you uncover and discover the causes that led to this madness, and more importantly, what it takes to live a happy, fulfilling life free and clear of alcohol and drugs…for good.

Are you truly ready to change? If so give us a call and let us help you make your New year’s resolution a success.