As the New Year approaches, it is only natural for people to make New Year’s resolutions. A tradition as the clock turns to a new year, a New Year’s resolution is typical a promise a person makes to themselves to do something different or make an improvement in the new year. The idea is, as a new year begins, so can people take steps to improve or better themselves through this declaration or promise that they make to themselves. It is often easier to make changes on a specific date, and what better date than January 1st. It’s the “new year, new me” principle.
However, it is also well-known that while many people make New Year’s resolutions, so do many people break those resolutions or find themselves unable to keep the promise they’ve made to themselves. Some typical examples of New Year’s resolutions are eating better, exercising more, or starting a new hobby. However, in some cases, the New Year’s resolutions are more important, such as leaving an abusive relationship, changing jobs, or moving to a new state. However, for many people living in the pain of active addiction, there is one New Year’s resolution that is more important than all others: Sobriety.
For those living in active addiction or alcoholism, there is no change as transformative or New Year’s resolution so important as making the positive change towards recovery. Those in active addiction often make resolutions: “I won’t drink today” or “I’ll quit tomorrow” or “next week I’ll seek help.” It is well-known that those in active addiction regularly make declarations or resolutions to stop or quit, but rarely do, because doing so on their own is damn near impossible. And asking for help can feel shameful or stigmatizing. However, addiction is something that cannot be done on its own without help, whether that help comes from a detox or rehab, a professional like a therapist or counselor, or a community of recovering people.
People in active addiction will also make resolutions to stop or moderate their drinking or using by making resolutions on other behavioral or lifestyle changes. For example, “If I changed jobs, I’d have less stress and would stop drinking” or “If I work out regularly, I’ll get healthier and stop using”, or “My relationship is the problem, and if I end the relationship, I’ll stop hurting myself with drugs and alcohol.” While some of these behavioral or lifestyle stressors may exacerbate the addiction problem, often once those changes are made, the addiction will continue. Which is why the person needs help.
As 2023 approaches, and people proclaim “New Year, New Me!”, for those in active addiction, there must be a true declaration of seeking recovery and finding sobriety. That declaration then must be followed up by immediate action, taking steps to go through detox, receive addiction treatment, and create positive and healthy recovery supports. It is frightening, but it also must be understood that saying or planning to stop using is not the same thing as stopping drinking or drug use. Few people in active addiction want to continue living that way, but the pain and discomfort is familiar, and the idea of sobriety can feel even more scary or unattainable. Fortunately, recovery is a transformational process that improves the health and quality of life of anyone that walks the path, and sobriety, while scary, is absolutely attainable with help.
As the new year dawns, as everyone begins to make resolutions to improve their lives and better themselves, those in active addiction need look no further than a single, important, life-changing resolution: Sobriety. The change is scary and will no doubt be uncomfortable in the beginning, but it is possible and the gifts on the other side are beyond wonderful. New year, new you? For those in active addiction, there is one, undeniable way to achieve a healthier, happier version of yourself. And that way is recovery from addiction. Reach out, ask for help, take suggestions and directions, and find that as the new year begins, your life can be filled with hope and a happiness you never thought possible. As the millions of people living in recovery from addiction often describe it, it’s a “life beyond your wildest dreams.”
If you or someone you know needs help for addiction or co-occurring disorders, please give us a call. Innovo Detox offers the latest in evidence-based medical, psychiatric, and clinical care for those in need of detox and medical stabilization in Pennsylvania and the surrounding Mid-Atlantic area. If we aren’t the best fit for you or a loved one, we will take the necessary time to work with you to find a detox, rehab, treatment center or provider that better fits your needs. Please give us a call at (717) 619-3260 or email our team at info@innovodetox.com. For more information on our company or services, please visit our website at www.innovodetox.com.