With only a few days left in 2012 it looks like the impending doomsday predictions have come and gone…once again. This might just be the perfect time to be thankful and start making some changes in your life. In fact, maybe some New Year’s resolutions are in order? If you are already in recovery then you should know that this is the riskiest time of the year for relapse of alcohol/drugs.
This is a risky time of the year for people that do not suffer from addiction with all of the celebrationspeople who do not usually party in excess find themselves going way beyond their normal limits. People in recovery cannot afford to allow themselves to be put in a vulnerable position. This means avoid environments that are risky and spend as much time as possible with other people in recovery.
If you have yet to make it into treatment then this is the time to put your life intoperspective and try to figure out how you can improve in the New Year. A New Year’s resolution often gives people strength when fighting their cravings. It is a time for goal settingand to change the addictive ways in your life.
It’s important to remember that lifestyle changes don’t happen overnight and you should also use a support system in conjunction with professional help to turn your life around. You can’t make all of the necessary changes at once. Change comes about in stages. You don’t just decide one day to stop and that’s that—especially when you’re addicted.
Prepare yourself emotionally and figure out how you’re going to achieve your plan gradually. Most people cannot beat addiction without professional help. Entering a detoxification, rehabilitation, or therapy program is the best route to take always. There are many health risks involved with trying to quit anything cold turkey.
For addicts and those in recovery it is important to look ahead and focus on the final outcome. Develop a reward system for yourself when you stick to goals. The most important thing for those in recovery to remember is that relapse is not failure and it is not the end. It is a time to draw strength and get back up on the horse.
For those who have yet to embrace sobriety, push on and use whatever resources you need to get help. This is your life man, what difference did the world ending on 12/21/2012 matter if you are just going to let yourself die anyways?
