When facing the prospect of an addiction-free new year, you may have some doubts creeping into your mind. If this is the case, it is important to reconnect with your therapists and reach out.

Many of us place pressure on ourselves to achieve highly in the first weeks of the new year and expect miracles to happen. However, this can be counterproductive. Instead, make your resolutions smaller, and bitesize. This way it will be more achievable and can be done at a pace that suits you.

Oftentimes, maintaining sobriety comes with months of mindfulness, positive thoughts and great support. However, with all this being said, drug and alcohol addiction is a disease that can be fully managed long-term without relapses. There is no need to suffer in silence.

Here are five tips to adopt that will ensure you can feel prepared and dynamic for your new year journey:

1. Reach Out in Times of Need

Reaching out to people when you feel isolated, scared or in need of support is vital. All recovering addicts who have left drug and alcohol rehab will need an element of support that will continue throughout the months following. People who have faced addiction may need to work through specific parts of their mental health that will determine their future paths.

If you need some mental support, reach out to your rehabilitation team and therapists, speak to friends and family, and ask them for help.

You can find additional help online on certain forums and groups, and alternatively, you can speak with your GP. When you do not fully address an issue, your mental health can spiral. Speak out and you will find that you’ll be met with encouragement and support.

 

2. Pick Up a New Hobby

Hobbies are wonderful for anyone because it provides you with a new outlet for your thoughts and concerns. You can channel fears and concerns into a hobby that offers you comfort, and above all a good foundation for change in the new year.

Alcohol and drug rehab will have taught you numerous tips surrounding your behaviours and your attitudes to life. You will now have the tools you need to be adaptive, and utilise positive thought processes to feel more secure.

When you align these elements with a hobby of choice, you will find you will thrive. This may be a sport of some kind, or perhaps you find pleasure in travelling or seeing places of interest. Other options may include art, theatre or writing. Find something that makes you feel good and something that will motivate you.

 

3. Strengthen Relationships

The bonds you form with friends and family will ultimately shape and form the foundations of strength and clarity. Being honest and open about your past drug addiction and above all, your future hopes will be a vital step. The relationships that are most important to you should be nurtured and can be done so by good communication, the ability to listen and doing things together that help you become both closer and stronger. The people you surround yourself with after rehab will be the people that continue to drive you towards long-term sobriety.

Addiction can create numerous emotional storms and exaggeration of the problem, which creates tension.

By strengthening your bond and speaking about your fears, you are facing your vulnerabilities, which is both empowering and brave. It is important to determine your reality and speak openly. Do not snap at those around you, as they may also be feeling hurt, lost or concerned. Remember that collaborative efforts help, and this way you can avoid feelings of anger, hurt or relapse.

 

4. Exercise Your Mind and Body

Exercise provides numerous benefits for the body and mind. It is a known fact that exercise contributes to better cardiovascular health, and sleep. It also assists those suffering from anxiety and depression. This is because physical movements and sports give the body many hits of dopamine and endorphins which relax the mind and body.

Whilst joining a gym may not seem an affordable option, there are many ways that do not require expenses. A long walk in nature, yoga in the park, or even purchasing an exercise bike, treadmill or a weight set that you can use from home at a time that is convenient for you.

 

5. Attend Meetings And Get The Help You Need

If you have already entered rehab, it is important to continue your aftercare sessions with diligence and positivity. After all, the steps post-rehab are the most fundamental. If you are at the beginning of your addiction journey, you may want to plant the seed for recovery and then watch it blossom.

The ways in which you can reach a healthy new year are to consider the options available to you. Whilst addiction can create deep feelings of regret and failure, there are multiple drug and alcohol rehabilitation services available to you.

At the Ocean Recovery Centre, you can gain access to world-class treatments and therapies that are designed to succeed. There is no need to suffer in silence this year. Make your new year’s resolutions one to stand by.

 

Getting Access to the Help You Need This Year

All new year’s resolutions need a plan. In order to achieve these plans, you must first make a list of what you want to achieve, as well as the issues which you’d like to address going forward. Oftentimes, mental health issues precipitate addiction and can exacerbate the symptoms and lifestyle issues.

That is why it is important to speak out to someone, and consider drug and alcohol rehab at a clinic you can trust, with a team around you 24/7 to help you on your journey to sobriety. Make 2023 your year, write down your goals, put them into action and speak to those around you for a helping hand.

Please get in touch with us today at 0800 880 7596 for more information on how we can assist you with your goals for 2023.

John Gillen - Director at Ocean Recovery

John Gillen - Author - Last updated: June 12, 2024

John is one UK’s leading professionals in the addiction recovery industry. Pioneering new treatment techniques such as NAD+ and ongoing research into new therapy techniques such as systematic laser therapy, John is committed to providing the very best treatment for people throughout the UK and Europe. During his extremely busy schedule, John likes to regularly update our blog section with the latest news and trends in the industry to keep visitors to our site as well informed as possible on everything related to addiction treatment.