Sobriety in the New Year

1. Sobriety in the New Year The New Year symbolizes a time for fresh starts. Everyone is making resolutions to better themselves in the coming year, so it’s no surprise that many people decide to pursue sobriety. Starting a new year with the decision to find sobriety and heal lifelong wounds is a very courageous decision. Usually, though, simply making a resolution is not enough. This is true even with non-addicts. But the good news is, there are steps to take that can significantly aid in reaching and maintaining sobriety. Steps for Sobriety in the New Year • Tell friends and family: if the individual hasn’t already, they should resolve to tell their loved ones about the addiction and desire for sobriety. Friends and family should be aware of how serious the issue is. Being accountable to those who matter most makes it much harder to return to addictive patterns and behaviors. • Seek Inpatient Treatment: Addiction can’t be treated alone, and inpatient treatment is the best way to jumpstart the recovery process. The Meadows Inpatient program treats all phases of addiction, from detoxification to an intensive, psychotherapeutic program that addresses the symptoms and causes of addiction. • Follow Up With Outpatient Treatment: The Meadows Outpatient Center (IOP) offers programs for patients who have completed our inpatient treatment, or for those who qualify for the IOP program without the need for higher care. Each patient’s issues and circumstances are always taken into consideration to be sure they are offered the safest and most appropriate care for their needs. • Participate in a 12-step Recovery Group: Attending meetings on a regular basis is the best way to interact with others who share the same priorities. Many addicts attend meetings daily. Creating bonds with those who share the same desire to stay sober is a key element in maintaining sobriety for the long haul. • Change Routines: Active addicts have patterns that lead them to using. These patterns must be broken to achieve long-term sobriety success. This might mean the addict must remove himself from places and people’s lives he’s grown accustomed to. If it’s something that has aided using in the past, it’s important to change it. • Improve Physical Health: Getting sober isn’t just about stopping the compulsive behaviors. Sobriety involves a complete lifestyle change. Healthy eating and regular exercise will help

2. in numerous respects. The most obvious is that eating right and getting regular physical activity result in feeling better. This makes it easier to not self medicate. • Try New Things: New hobbies and activities are a great way to separate an addict from old habits and invigorate an otherwise stalled life. Activities that can be therapeutic, like cooking, meditating or gardening, are all great hobbies for maintaining a sense of well being. Inpatient Treatment for Sobriety If you decide an inpatient program is the right decision for you, make sure that the program is designed to meet your individual needs and the needs of your family. Consider what will nurture your well-being. If being in a warm, peaceful environment and having sunshine is an important part of nurturing yourself, then consider The Meadows programs in Wickenburg, Arizona. We are nestled in the serene Sonoran desert, where many people feel that the clear, dry air has healing powers. As the nation’s premier program for treating alcohol, drug and other addictive disorders for 40 years, our Meadows Model is the most clinically comprehensive and nurturing program available today. Learn More There is no better time to begin your journey to sobriety than right now. Make this year your year of recovery. The treatment program at The Meadows can help you create an entire lifetime of peace and healing. To learn more about our programs, call us at 800-244-4949 or contact us here.