If you are actively working a program of recovery, and have made it through the holidays without picking up a drink or drug, you should be proud of your accomplishment – for it is no easy feat. With the year at the tail end of its 12th hour, we have just one more holiday to navigate through, that of New Year’s. For the majority of adults, a significant amount of alcohol will be consumed tomorrow. If you are in recovery and have been invited to a party, there is a good chance that you will bear witness to some drunken debauchery. It is crucial that you remain in close contact with your sponsor during that time, as you may find yourself vulnerable to cravings; left unchecked, such cravings can lead to a decision which can result in a relapse.
If you are new to recovery, it is highly advised that you find a New Year’s recovery event to attend with your peers. A number of meeting houses will host dance parties, where those working towards the common goal of living alcohol and drug free can have a good time together. If you have never attended something like that, you might think that it would be boring, let’s face it, after years of substance abuse one’s mind connects having a good time with drugs and alcohol. A mindset that will take some time to break and a good way to change your old thinking is by attending events which you will likely find are a lot of fun.
It is important that you do not let your assumptions cause you to isolate during the last day of the year. Making yourself a presence among your recovery community will give you a feeling of togetherness that can be a strong asset for continued sobriety. Isolating will likely cause you to spend the day in your own head, which every recovering addict and alcoholic will tell you is a dangerous place to reside in early recovery.
It is an unfortunate fact that some people will relapse on New Year’s Eve, it happens every year. While relapse is always a terrible eventuality, it is crucial that you get back on your feet as quickly as possible, call your sponsor and dive back into the program. Continued use will only result in making a bad situation infinitely worse.
If you are still active in your addiction and have made recovery your New Year’s resolution, please contact Cottonwood Tucson. Our treatment center can help you begin the journey of recovery, and teach you how to maintain lasting recovery.
