A study of 3,000 people done in 2007 found that 88 percent of New Year’s resolutions fail. If one of your resolutions for the new year is to stay sober, it is best to have some tips to help you along. Take a look at five important keys to making sure you have a sober new year.
Host Your Own Sober New Year’s Eve Party
You can always ask your closest friends and loved ones to get rid of substances on your behalf, and the ones who care just as much about your sobriety as you definitely will. However, if you really want to make sure you have a sober party, you can always host your own get-together. Just let guests know in advance that you don’t plan on serving alcohol so they don’t bring anything along with them.
Have An Exit Plan If You Go to Someone’s Party
Maybe you feel confident enough in your ability to pass on drugs or alcohol that you plan to attend a New Year’s Eve party, and that is great. However, it is wise to have an exit plan in place just in case the temptation to drink or use is so strong that you feel you may mess up. Your exit plan should include:
- When your breaking point is so you know exactly when to leave
- What you will say to the host or your friends if you see you need to leave quickly
- What transportation you will use to get home
Remember, don’t be afraid to take off before the strike of midnight if you have to. It is more important to stay sober than to stay at a party. This is true even if you look odd because you leave too soon.
Consider a New Year’s Getaway
If every New Year’s Eve celebration you have experienced has always involved drinking or drugs, just the holiday moving in can bring about those feelings and desires to use. If you are working on living free of alcohol or drugs, having a sober new year may mean getting away for the holiday. Taking charge of your life after addiction is all about making changes and setting new standards, even if that means holiday traditions look a bit different from what they used to. Consider planning a New Year’s getaway to pull yourself away from those situations that could drive you to use a substance. For example, you could take the opportunity to visit the beach in the winter or tour a National Park.
Consider a Sober New Year’s Staycation
If everyone you know is hosting a party, and you are positive that alcohol or drugs will be involved, it can be a good idea to simply stay at home. Pick out an activity that you enjoy. Whether it is watching old movies or curling up with hot cocoa and a good book. It’s perfectly fine to watch the ball drop and even have a few friends over. Just make sure your sober new year is free from triggers that make you want to drink or use.
Find Out What Your Sober Friends Are Doing
Most people do have friends who do prefer to be sober. Even if it has been a while since you have connected, don’t be afraid to reach out. Let them know you want something different in life. Since you are working on making changes for sobriety, so you are planning on a sober new year.
Achieve a Sober New Year with the Help of The Ranch PA
If you have been struggling to achieve a sober New Year, maybe the upcoming new year is the perfect time for change. At The Ranch PA, we strive to help individuals achieve sobriety for the long term with:
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Medical detox
- Individual and family therapy
- Psychodrama
- Motivational interviewing
With both traditional and alternative treatments available, we treat every individual uniquely to foster success. Reach out to The Ranch PA by phone at 717.969.9126 for more information about program availability.
