The beginning of the New Year is an opportunity to take stock of the things one wants to achieve over the next 12 months, as well as for the longer term. For those who are struggling with substance abuse, it can be a good time to take stock of where their life is heading; if effective action is not taken, they can begin to chart another course. While it is not necessarily comfortable or easy, getting sober is likely the single most important action a person can undertake.
The Decision
Sobriety begins with the decision to get sober. Not a fleeting thought, but rather, a self-determined, no-holds-barred decision to commit oneself to whatever it takes to achieve sobriety.
Once achieved, another self-determined, no-holds-barred decision to commit to doing whatever it takes to safeguard and maintain that sobriety is next in the order of importance.
Further necessary actions stemming from these decisions will need to be made. Reaffirming these decisions can keep a person alive and able to reach their desire and dedication to that goal.
A decision to get sober in 2015 is a life-changing decision which opens the door to a whole new future; a future that has the potential to bring long-lasting and beneficial changes for all whom it will influence and impact.
Tips for Sobriety in 2015
Narconon Arrowhead, a residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation and education center located in Southeastern Oklahoma, delivers a drug-free approach to rehabilitating the addict and alcoholic, and knows the life-changing value of sobriety. Thus, the rehab center is releasing some tips for making 2015 the year of sobriety.
Take Care of Yourself
Good nutrition, restful sleep, exercise, and a safe and pleasant environment will go far in helping achieve and maintain sobriety.
Learn about Drugs and Addiction
Many fall prey to substance abuse due to the lack of factual drug prevention information and education. Learning the facts will help you understand what happened and how to avoid the trap in the future.
Practice Complete Abstinence
Don’t be lulled into thinking a drink or two, or a just a little bit of a substance is not a threat to your sobriety. It is.
Choose Sober Friends
Choose friends who are sober and who support you in your sobriety. The same advice goes for romantic relationships.
Increase your Spiritual Awareness
In a world which seems to place extreme value on the physical body and materialism, our spiritual nature too often goes unrecognized and is neglected. Belief in, and reverence for, a Higher Power is an integral part of existence. Find for yourself what is true for you, and use your spiritual strength and beliefs to help you remain sober.
Help Others in Recovery
There are many others who are striving to stay sober and create a new life of sobriety. Reach out to them, make new friends, and help them achieve their goals. In helping them, you will also help yourself.
Set New Goals
Living a life of sobriety opens the door to setting new goals or digging-up some old ones that were buried by substance abuse. Working towards achieving goals you have set for yourself is stabilizing.
Learn New Things
Life is filled with interesting subjects, places, and people. The arts, sports, hobbies, music, and many other areas of life offer a multitude of learning opportunities.
Give Back to Your Community
Every community has individuals or organizations needing help. Whether it is the local Humane Society, Big Brothers, a church group, or a recovery group, follow your heart and give of yourself to others in need.
Participate in Drug Prevention Education
Those who have overcome substance abuse are often the best when it comes to educating children and youth as to the dangers and risks of drugs and alcohol. You can make a difference in the course their lives will take by sharing your hard-won experience and knowledge of addiction and the addiction lifestyle—and what it is like to be drug-free once again.