The new year can bring a range of feelings. New Year’s is just another day and often marks an accomplishment for many in recovery. For many people looking to the year ahead, New Year’s Day is the best time to set goals for long-lasting health and sobriety. Relapse prevention therapy can help clients set reasonable goals, address addiction triggers, and make the most of the next year.
If you or a loved one in recovery needs help setting New Year’s goals, call Baltimore Detox Center today at [Direct] to learn how our relapse prevention therapy programs can help.
Signs and Triggers that Lead to Relapse
Every person’s triggers are their own. Past trauma, life events, and addiction history can all affect their ability to stay sober. Triggers can range from people, places, and things to emotions and cravings. For many people, the holidays can be highly stressful and triggering. They may reactivate old wounds and trigger shame from addiction. Simultaneously, some people may glamorize their drug use, leading to nostalgia over the holidays. For many, stress can be the most significant trigger of relapse. Physical and emotional relapse triggers include:
- Lethargy
- Lack of desire and motivation
- Hopelessness
- Guilt
- Anxiety
- Glamorizing the past
- Anger rumination
- Negative thought patterns
- Toxic relationships
- Drug-seeking behavior
- Difficulty sleeping
- Changes in appetite
A lack of family and community support can also lead to relapse. Many people in recovery may have a hard time reconnecting with loved ones or forgiving themselves for past actions. Family members may hold grudges or have difficulty understanding addiction and recovery. Addiction therapists, 12-step programs, alumni programs, and relapse prevention programs can help. By providing those in recovery with community and individual support, these programs can reduce depression and feelings of hopelessness that often lead to relapse.
Tips for Setting Sober Goals This New Year’s
While each person’s journey is unique, setting manageable goals for the year ahead can help you stay sober, whether this is day three or 300 of sobriety.
Set Goals You Can Reach
The new year is notorious for unreachable goals. Many people make resolutions they rarely keep. When setting goals for the new year, focus on goals you can work towards over a period of time, like moving, changing jobs, and other big goals. Consider small, manageable goals like attending weekly meetings, ending toxic relationships, and finding the right therapist and your most important goals.
Ask for Help
Relapse prevention programs, alumni programs, and 12-step programs can help you set manageable goals. Ask others who have gone through recovery to help you. Consider making “ask for help more often” one of your goals in the new year.
Don’t Set Too Many Goals
Setting goals can be great for sobriety. Goals keep us accountable and provide structure. However, setting too many goals can be a setup for failure. Consider a handful of goals, a few that you will work towards daily, and a few long-term goals to work towards over the year.
No matter the goals, they should always begin with sobriety. When this year comes to a close, remember relapse prevention and sobriety are your greatest achievement.
Avoid Relapse with the Help of Baltimore Detox Center
New Year’s Day can be inspiring. For many of us, it signals a clean slate. It’s a great time to set new goals. It’s also easy to get carried away with goals that are too hard to achieve. Get the help you need setting goals for the year ahead at Baltimore Detox Center. At one of the city’s first free-standing detox centers, we know addiction recovery and relapse prevention. Our friendly staff and intimate facility are ready to help you achieve your goals. Don’t wait until next year. Call us at [Direct] to get started today.
