A New Year Is a Great Time to Overcome Addiction

As one year draws to an end and a new one is ready to begin, we often start to look back at the things we have accomplished and think about what we would still like to achieve. For many people, it is a time of personal reflection and inspiration for growth; for others, it can be a somber reminder of too many things left undone.

For those who are currently struggling with addiction, perhaps the most life-changing resolution to make would be the decision to get sober. There are many aspects that go into creating a sober life and finding the right treatment center can help you build a solid foundation for doing just that. For those whose loved ones are struggling with addiction, there are many things you can do as well to try and help get your loved one set up on the path of sobriety.

For those who are currently struggling with addiction:

Make the decision to get sober.

This seems simple enough, but just this one choice can be a pretty difficult one to make. The decision to get sober is a choice to change your entire life. It means cutting ties with negative friends, developing new habits, and adopting an entirely new lifestyle. This one simple sentence can actually become pretty overwhelming when taking into consideration all that it implies. That being said, this not-so-easy decision to make can change the entire trajectory of the rest of your life. It will take a lot of work, but it will certainly be worth it.

Find the right treatment center.

Overcoming addiction is no easy task, and that is why there are many facilities out there to help you do exactly that. Remember that you don’t have to undergo this journey alone. People who reach out for professional help receive much-needed guidance and support. This is going to be a journey that consists of many ups and downs, so it’s a good idea not to undergo it alone. It may take some time to find the right program, but it will be well worth the effort.

Work on developing life skills to maintain sobriety.

Getting sober and staying sober are two entirely different things. A person can get sober, but if they do not develop the skills that are necessary to live a sober life then they will have a difficult time staying sober. Because of this, it is a good idea to find a program that will not only address the immediate concerns of addiction recovery but also provide the tools to build a solid foundation for a life of recovery.

Put in the work to create a better life.

Getting sober takes work. Staying sober takes work. If you aren’t willing to put in the work, then you will have a hard time achieving either of these things. That being said if you are willing to do what is needed to fight for your life you will be well on your way towards a new beginning.

For those whose loved ones are currently struggling with addiction:

Research and learn about addiction.

It is hard to be supportive of someone if you do not understand what they are going through. While it is nearly impossible to fully understand addiction unless you have gone through it yourself, you can certainly learn as much as you can to be more empathetic. By reading books, talking to professionals, and conducting your own research you will be much more prepared to help your loved one on this journey. You will also be better prepared to help yourself as well.

Learn how to be supportive without being enabling.

There is a big difference between supporting an addict and enabling an addict. Supporting an addict will help them to get better, while enabling an addict will only allow them to maintain unhealthy habits. If you are not sure where to draw the line, there are plenty of resources available to help you learn the difference.

Encourage your loved one to get help.

Sometimes we all need a little nudge in the right direction to change. While your loved one may not be receptive to what you have to say right away, don’t give up just yet. Still do what you can to be as encouraging as possible. If the situation reaches a breaking point, then it may be time to consider doing an intervention.

Support your loved one as best you can during treatment.

Going to addiction treatment can be a difficult decision and a challenging process. There are many ways that you can encourage your loved one while they are receiving the help that they need. It may not seem like it, but it’s the little things like receiving letters, cards and phone calls that make a big difference.

Help set your loved one up for a life of success.

The hard work doesn’t end when a person leaves rehab; this is actually when they will need extra encouragement and support as they navigate the new challenges of living a sober life. While your loved one is in treatment, it is a good idea to coordinate with their treatment facility on ways that you can help to set them up for a life of success because that is ultimately what it’s all about.

Further Resources For Families:

• Tips For Doing an Intervention
• How to Establish Boundaries With an Addict
• How to Talk to Someone Who is in Denial About Their Addiction
• Learning the Difference Between Enabling and Helping an Addict
• How to Prepare for a Loved One to Come Home from Treatment
• How to Support A Loved One While They Are Going through Rehab
• Building up the Courage to Confront a Loved One About Their Addiction