The New Year is a time when people make all types of
resolutions. People want to do things differently and be better than the year
before. But as we all know, change is hard. If you're struggling to change an
addictive behavior, such as drinking alcohol, it's not always as simple as
making a choice to change.
The good news is if you've resolved to stay sober in the New
Year, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of being
successful.
1. Connect with a professional for a substance
abuse assessment
An
addiction professional will be able to determine your risk of withdrawal
symptoms and can give you the "next-step" recommendation to increase
your chances for success. Since withdrawal can be dangerous, leading to risk of
seizure, stroke or death, it is best to consult a professional. It is not
advised to go through withdrawal without professional assistance. Professionals
can also take a more comprehensive look at the problem and find
underlying issues. They will also help formulate a plan to get you the help you
deserve and may need.
Talk to your health care provider or call our Mental Health & Addiction Connection line, 866-603-0016, for any mental health or addiction service, question or concern, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
2. Understand your resources
Help is out
there and there are multiple access
points to find help. You can talk with your primary care physician, a therapist,
an addiction professional or attend groups such as Alcoholics or Narcotics
Anonymous. There are also different kinds of professional treatment levels – inpatient, residential,
intensive outpatient, outpatient, relapse prevention who work with individual
therapists and Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors (LADC). It's important to
find what works for you.
3. Find a support system
Whether it comes from friends, family or support groups, there's
no reason to do this alone. Find people who will support
your decision to sober up, and tell them about the goals you have set for
yourself. If you think you might be tempted to have a drink or start to waver, call them immediately
and talk to them about your urges. Supportive family and friends can help in
the process and boost your confidence.
4. Evaluate your environment
Take a look
at where you're spending your time. Your old hangouts may not help you succeed.
Put yourself in situations that will help you, not tempt you. It may seem
obvious, but if you resolve to quit drinking you can't spend your free time
sitting at the bar.
5. Set small goals along the way
Think
about what you want to accomplish in the first week or first month. Write your goals down. Then think about what you're willing to do to
make it happen and what can you put in place to make sobriety happen. If you
want to stop drinking, your first goal may be to get rid of all the alcohol in
your house. Your second goal may be to find a support group. Continue to
build on your goals as you work toward sobriety.
6. Use action-oriented language
You're
more likely to seek help or
attend a support group meeting when you say, "I'm going to the group meeting on Wednesday
at 7:30 p.m." versus "I'll probably
go to that group meeting later this week". Being specific reinforces the likelihood of following through on
what you said you were going to do.
While
it's
helpful to seek out advice and support from others, remember to find – and do – what will work safely
and best for you to achieve your goal.