Many people struggle to adjust to the new year. One of those struggles may be renewing the motivation to stay in recovery. Nonetheless, staying motivated is essential to long-term recovery.
Individuals can get creative regarding their recovery regimen with a few key techniques. By finding new ways to prevent relapse, experimenting with different coping methods, and making new sober connections, anyone can find the motivation to stay in recovery in this new year.
Substance use disorder (SUD) is a chronic condition characterized as a brain disorder with a high risk of relapse. As such, constant efforts to maintain recovery can seem daunting, even exhausting. Individuals who have not gone through treatment may not realize it is simply the first of many steps in sobriety. So how do individuals find ways to stay motivated for so long during their recovery? In truth, there are many possible answers.
A key motivator for many people is their family and friends. Many times, people do not recognize the signs of SUD within themselves. In these scenarios, intervention is often required. During a successful intervention, friends, family, and loved ones can express their concerns about how the individual's addiction has impacted their lives. Once someone realizes the toll their issue has taken on their life and the lives of others, they often find the courage to seek treatment. This can also motivate their recovery efforts long-term.
Staying motivated to maintain recovery by reminding oneself of the pain one inflicted on loved ones can become toxic. In many ways, this can be misconstrued as staying motivated through feelings of guilt and shame.
Yet, the people hurt during the height of addiction may be the same people who remain for support in the recovery journey. Whether these individuals are parents, children, friends, or other loved ones, their presence can be enough to motivate people to stay in recovery by wanting to avoid further hurt.
With New Year's Eve quickly approaching, people will soon hear of resolutions and goals others plan to make for the new year. Not everyone subscribes to the concept of a New Year's resolution, but for some, it helps them chart their path for the new year. Individuals can decide how they feel about the effectiveness of making a resolution. For people in recovery, a primary annual goal is staying sober.
Unfortunately, gearing up for the new year can bring challenges, like New Year's Eve night. Chances are, everyone knows someone who hosts some lavish party with an abundance of alcohol. Aside from trying to maintain recovery on New Year's Eve, the thought of a new year can raise many existential questions. "What am I doing with my life? Where are things going for me? How can I continue maintaining recovery long-term?" These are just a few questions that the new year may bring up. Luckily, the beauty of recovery is that not everything has to be figured out immediately. Recovery is a day-to-day process, sometimes even an hour-to-hour process. When existential thoughts creep in, those in recovery can hold onto that fact.
Boredom and complacency are common regarding relapse prevention. More time spent in recovery may cause a person to think they have conquered their triggers. Unfortunately, triggers and cravings can change, and people can uncover new ones anytime. Relapse prevention can help people manage current and future cravings and prevent relapse. Some techniques to try include:
As mentioned, complacency can occur in recovery and require individuals to modify their relapse prevention plan. Relapse prevention plans are usually created before leaving treatment. However, life changes quickly, and these plans must also change to keep up. Those in recovery might consider revising their plan for the new year if they find triggers or cravings have changed and need new strategies to overcome them.
In addition to finding new ways to prevent relapse and experimenting with different coping techniques, those in recovery should consider making new connections. Staying motivated all year long requires assistance from a support system. Making new friends along the way can also help.
Part of the reason support group meetings are so effective is that people have the chance to listen to the stories of others. New narratives provide new perspectives, which offer people new ways to stay motivated in their recovery.
Meeting someone new at a support group meeting and making a connection is a great way to implement this strategy. This new person's experiences may offer you new insight or resources. These things may be integral for renewing your motivation.
Recovery in the New Year is possible and can be exciting if you find new ways of staying motivated.
With the new year approaching, individuals in recovery may begin experiencing several challenges. New Year's Eve can present complications because of the expected parties and toasts. Even after being in recovery for a while, this celebratory atmosphere can still be triggering. You may also be experiencing several existential questions that have you questioning your life and recovery journey. When this happens, finding new ways to prevent relapse, experimenting with different coping methods, and making new sober connections are vital. NorthStar Transitions can help you with all of it. Whether you need help renewing your relapse prevention plan, getting involved with a thriving alumni community, or anything in between, we've got you covered. Call (303) 558-6400 today.
