The tradition of making New Year’s resolutions has roots in many different cultures going back thousands of years. Babylonians and Romans engaged in the practice. Today, nearly half of Americans resolve to make lasting, positive changes in their lives at the beginning of each year.

Whether you are vowing to eat healthier, work out more often or spend less time on your phone or computer, something about making those pledges at the beginning of the year seems to work. According to some studies, people are roughly ten times more likely to stick to these plans at New Year’s as opposed to trying during any other time of year.

If you have a loved one working through addiction recovery, we have some resolutions you might consider in service of his or her health.

Be Realistic with Your Addiction Recovery New Year’s Goals

First and foremost, it’s important to remember the three C’s when your loved one is recovering from addiction.

You didn’t cause the addiction. Addiction is a complex disease with many complicating factors.

Another pitfall to avoid is thinking you can cure your loved one’s addiction. Your support can make the process easier, but, as with other serious diseases, addiction requires treatment in order for healing to take place.

Similarly, you can’t control your loved one. He or she has to put in the time and effort to learn about this disease, how to deal with potential relapse triggers and healthier ways to cope with difficult thoughts and feelings.

How Can You Help Your Loved One’s Recovery in the New Year?

The hustle and bustle of the holiday season can leave us all feeling a little burnt out, but this time of year can be particularly difficult for the newly sober. Stressful work situations and family gatherings may trigger painful feelings or memories.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) can also complicate things for a recovering addict. As the winter months drag on, feelings of lethargy and depression may creep in. Depression and other mental health issues can be major factors in addiction.
Being mindful of these things can help you be more receptive to your loved one’s needs during this season.

Sample New Year’s Resolutions for Those with a Recovering Addict in Their Lives

As you head into the New Year, you might resolve to:

• Take up healthy hobbies with your loved one. Join a gym, start jogging together or take a cooking class.
• Learn about addiction. The more you know about this disease, the better equipped you’ll be to talk, actively listen and
• Be patient and positive. Recovery is a difficult journey, and there might be some bumps in the road.
• Take care of yourself. Addiction harms more than just the addict. Make sure your physical, mental and emotional wellbeing is also being addressed.

Treatment for Addiction in Treasure Island, Florida

If you or a loved one needs treatment for addiction to alcohol, methamphetamine, opioids like heroin or prescription painkillers or any other drug, Footprints Beachside Recovery is here for you. We maintain small, close-knit recovery groups to ensure excellent personal care for our clients. We also work with a variety of insurance providers to help make treatment affordable.

Don’t wait another moment to get the help your loved one needs. Talk to one of our addiction treatment specialists to begin a recovery journey today.