As the year draws to a close and a new one begins, many people struggling with drug addiction and alcoholism will make getting sober a number one priority on their list of New Years’ Resolutions.
While recognizing the need for a sober lifestyle is important, sadly most individuals never see the resolution come to fruition. They may start off committed and strong, but somewhere along the way they end up in a relapse and find themselves right back where they started. Although the intention is good, without hard work and a good support network the chances of failing are increased.
Same Resolution, Different Outcome
If previous New Years’ found you making the same resolution but you have never been successful in achieving your goal, then it may be necessary to look at the reason you fell short. Addiction counselors suggest that one reason may be that you are just not ready to cut drugs and alcohol out of your life.
Setting Sobriety Goals
Another reason many individuals struggle with getting and staying sober is that they set unrealistic recovery goals. Putting all the importance on the date, in this case January 1st, rather than on the process in manageable steps – leaves the individual with the feeling that they only have one chance to make it count. The truth is that making the decision to get sober is only part of the process and you will have 364 more days to work on your sobriety one day at a time.
Detox & Rehab
To get you on the road to recovery and ensure your success it may be necessary for you to enter a medical detox facility and rehab treatment program. Medical detox will cleanse your system of the toxins from drug and alcohol abuse/addiction. When you leave the detox facility you will be ready to go to a rehab program where you will learn to make different choices regarding your substance abuse.
Once you have successfully completed detox and rehab, it is a good idea to consider joining a community support group such as a 12-step program or non-traditional group to help you stay focused on a sober lifestyle.
Avoiding Relapse and Set-backs
Sometimes relapse happens. A good sobriety plan takes into account the possibility for relapse and set-backs and has a plan for dealing with them. If you find that you had a set-back, don’t react too harshly toward yourself. Get past the relapse by focusing on how far you have come and leaning on your community group for support.
Your Sobriety is More than a Date
Too often people make up their mind to change their addictive lives but then use a magical date as an excuse to engage in drug and alcohol behavior. Once you have made the decision to get help for your substance abuse and get sober, don’t wait to start until the New Year. Just do it!
Lara Schuster writes for Gallus Medical Detox Centers. Gallus Detox provides safe drug and alcohol detox with customized IV therapy to comfortably alleviate withdrawal symptoms and patients are monitored 24/7 by ICU level nurses. This proven detox method was developed by Dr. Patrick Gallus after 15-plus years as an emergency room physician caring for alcohol and drug addicted patients. Gallus Medical Detox Centers features upscale private rooms, HDTV, Wi-Fi and personal massage. Patient confidentiality is always protected.
Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Lara_Schuster/1567022
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