Looking forward to 2022 and all of the opportunities and challenges it holds can feel both invigorating and overwhelming. For many of us, 2021 meant seeking out and completing treatment for drug or alcohol addiction. In order to maintain this new sobriety, there are certain steps you should take for the best 2022 possible.
Keep an Eye on Yourself and Your Surroundings
For most participants of addiction treatment and rehab, the key to overcoming substance abuse was learning why the brain began seeking substances out in the first place. It could be due to early exposure turning drug or alcohol abuse into a normal part of life or as a result of a traumatic experience going untreated.
Regardless of what created the foundation for your addiction, there are various triggers to be aware of that can cause addictive tendencies and thoughts to return. With the recent holidays, many struggled with the extra pressure around seeing family members while others dealt with being alone with intrusive thoughts.
If you find yourself self-isolating or avoiding responsibilities, make sure it isn’t the start of a slide back towards substance abuse. When you remain present and take part in what’s going on around you, you’ll be able to make the most out of 2022 without worrying about a lapse in sobriety.
Lean Fully Into a New Year’s Resolution
New Year’s Eve is the perfect chance to start taking steps towards a better life. Everyone is setting goals for themselves and this year you should focus yours on maintaining sobriety. This can be through ongoing treatment from mental health professionals or volunteering to helps others through the same struggles you’ve overcome.
Many recovering individuals will create sporting and hobby groups that completely exclude drugs and alcohol in order to show that you can have fun without being under the influence. Commit to a group to help with accountability next year.
Building these support groups will prove to help with both sobriety and finding new friends that support your sober lifestyle. If old friends and family members can respectfully be part of these groups, you can explore those options as well.
Extra Help Is Always Available
Your road to sustained sobriety won’t be identical to anyone else’s. Remember that everyone needs help at some point during recovery whether this is from loved ones or trained professionals. Addiction is a lifelong disease that will always require some level of attention.
During these troubling times you should seek help. If certain stressors are becoming too much, see if someone can help with that responsibility. Remove yourself from environments that promote substance abuse even if it means staying away from certain friends and family members.
For the times where there’s not enough help available in your immediate circle, reach out to Hickory Treatment Centers to find the help you need. Our team of addiction recovery specialists are trained to help with any level of substance abuse or addiction. Let us be on your team going into 2022 for the best year possible.
