Tips for Staying on Track for the New Year

With 2019 coming to an end, use these tips to help keep your sobriety throughout the new year.

The holidays can be a difficult time for individuals that are sober for numerous reasons but especially because it is a time where most people tend to indulge and let loose a bit more. The good thing is that, the New Year is the best time of year to set new goals, and update outlooks on life to have a healthier, sober new year. Here we will go over some healthy tips for addicts during new years and the many other events that surround the holidays.

If you or someone you love needs help with addiction, call 888-608-9351 today to speak with a treatment specialist.

Staying on Track During the Holidays

While New Year’s resolutions are great, so is staying sober during the holidays. Before getting started at all the events with friends and family, it’s important to have a set of strategies in place to make sure that you don’t go back on what you’ve worked so hard to achieve. Here are a few practical, healthy tips for addicts during New Year’s and other holiday events:

• Have a gameplan –  Before going to events where there may be temptations, have an escape plan or sober friend with you to help avoid any slips.
• Know where to turn for help – If you are visiting out of town, research where there are meetings being held in the area and make that a priority during your stay. If you have a sponsor, you can hold yourself accountable by checking in with them more than once.
• Have an “elevator speech” prepared – Know what you’re going to respond with when a friend or relative questions you about your recovery or why you aren’t drinking. You can tell them as much or as little as you want but having this conversation prepared in advance can help avoid any awkward moments.
• Call us – There is always someone at Legacy Healing who would be glad to speak with you if you are struggling this holiday season.

Ensure that during the holidays, you are able to take care of yourself and spend time with loved ones. If you are feeling tempted, speak to a sponsor or someone who understands your situation that can help. Continue reading to learn our advice for healthy tips for addicts during new years and making resolutions.

3 Tips to Stay on Track for the New Year

Focusing on moving into the New Year, it’s important to make SMART goals that are attainable and realistic. SMART stands for Specific, Measureable, Attainable, Relevant and Timely.  Goals that are made should be ones that are able to be reached within a short amount of time that will build confidence in making other goals.

Set A Date For A Personal Check-In –

when making your list of New Year’s goals, there should be a date set to check in with yourself to see if you are on track and going the right direction. By doing this, you are holding yourself accountable for your actions.

Rewards –

Any goals that are set, and accomplished should be rewarded with healthy rewards making difficult phases easier to get through if there is a reward at the end.

Keep Goals Coming –

Once you reach your first goal and reward yourself, then set a new goal and keep moving forward.

Whether you are setting a goal for getting through the holidays or making a new year’s resolution, by staying positive and remaining accountable the holidays won’t be as difficult as they may seem.