10 New Year’s Resolutions for People in Pennsylvania Recovery

Roughly half of all adults set goals for the following year. Only a small percentage of individuals who make a resolution stick to it for more than a few months. People often fail to attain their objectives because they either set too many goals or set the bar too high. So, how can you beat the odds this New Year and keep your resolution? Those trying to become sober need a plan, a support system, and the willingness to tweak their existing habits as well as establish new ones. So, here are the 10 New Year’s resolutions for people in Pennsylvania Recovery that you can probably fulfil.

How to Set Resolutions That Stick?

There has always been a deep and nuanced connection between the recovery community and New Year’s goals. The start of a new year often prompts reflection on resolutions made in the previous one, such as those made to combat addiction. It’s not uncommon for the addict to decide to seek help in the new year. In other cases, a caring friend or family member will take the initiative to get assistance for someone they care about. It’s not uncommon for a person in recovery to take stock of their situation and resolve to step up their commitment to getting well.

New Year's sprinklers
Every New Year is a wonderful chance for starting over.

Effective methods for setting a realistic goal

Even though most individuals don’t stick to their New Year’s goals, those in recovery may benefit greatly from learning effective methods for goal setting. New Year’s goals that have a chance of being kept should be SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound).

  • Specific: if your objectives aren’t well-defined, you’ll have a far higher chance of failing to achieve them. Define your New Year’s recovery goals by explaining in depth what you want to achieve and why it’s important to you.
  • Measurable in some way so that you may evaluate your success or failure along the way If you make a resolution like “I will save more money in 2024,” you won’t have anything to measure your success against. In its place, you may resolve to yourself, “From now on, I will contribute $500 to my retirement fund every single month.”
  • Attainable: Make sure you set objectives that are within your reach. If you’re trying to get out of debt but are currently living paycheck to paycheck, it’s possible that you wouldn’t be able to put away $500 every month.
  • Relevant: It’s tougher to put forth effort when you don’t believe in the end result.
  • Time-bound: Resolves made for the New Year should be time-bound; setting a specific date by which to achieve sobriety will help the goals seem more permanent. The best plans contain a mix of short-term and long-term objectives so that you have some things you can do immediately and others that may take a few months.

10 New year’s resolutions for people in Pennsylvania recovery

Most people who make goals at the start of the new year end up disappointed because they were either too general or unattainable. The term “get in shape” may refer to anything from reducing weight to being physically fit enough to run a 5K. So, if we want New Year’s resolutions for people in Pennsylvania recovery to be effective, they need to be more specific and catered to each individual. You should try and set realistic goals for yourself and don’t compare yourself to others.

New Year's resolutions paper
Setting New Year’s Resolutions for People in Pennsylvania recovery is very beneficial.

1. Create your recovery plan

In the realm of recovery, it’s important to remember that one size does not fit all. Each individual’s journey is distinct, with unique challenges and needs. Therefore, goal-setting should be a personalized process, reflecting your specific circumstances and aspirations. In Pennsylvania rehab programs, we focus on helping you identify goals that are not just realistic and attainable, but also deeply meaningful to you.

This might include specific health objectives, rebuilding relationships, or developing new career paths. Regular consultations with healthcare professionals ensure that your goals align with your recovery progress and overall health. By tailoring your goals to your personal journey, you create a roadmap that is both motivating and relevant, increasing your chances of long-term success in recovery.

2. Let your focus be on improvement rather than perfection

People often give up on attempts to alter their way of life because they fail to keep a constructive perspective on their advancement. If you have a little setback throughout your road to recovery, try not to dwell on it. Self-criticism is a negative feedback loop that leads nowhere but down.

Leaving therapy and having everyone assume you’re fully recovered may be challenging. It’s easy to feel helpless, and that’s why many individuals relapse. You should instead dwell on your successes. You should be proud of yourself if you were able to make improvements in only one week. As soon as you let go of the idea that you’re doomed to failure because of your history of addiction, you’ll be able to make progress.

3. Establish your priorities

Rather than making high, unattainable intentions, research shows that taking the time to assess your objectives and develop detailed goals with practical actions increases the likelihood of success. If you decide to take charge of your rehabilitation and set concrete objectives for yourself, you’ll be more likely to reach those objectives and other rewards along the road.

Building strong bonds with supportive people is essential to getting well. Achieving your goals is easier when you put in the effort to create a community of people who will cheer you on as you work toward them. We always begin with the most important things, like finding a method to include them in the local community. We are all about connecting people, keeping them linked, and attempting to live a life guided by those values. A twelve-step program, inpatient or outpatient detox rehab PA, or another group offering accountability and support are all examples of communities into which he encourages his readers to immerse themselves.

a family celebrating New Year's eve
Focus more on the things that are truly important in life.

4. Find the right tools for success

When someone makes the decision to lose weight, they often seek out various forms of assistance to help them along the way. A similar line of thinking applies to folks in addiction recovery. Attending a rehabilitation clinic like Scranton drug rehab center, counseling, or participating in a twelve-step program are all viable treatment alternatives for those seeking sobriety.

In addition to traditional rehabilitation methods, embracing a variety of tools and resources can significantly enhance the recovery experience. This might include mindfulness and meditation practices, which have been shown to reduce stress and improve mental clarity. Don’t hesitate to explore digital tools, such as mobile apps designed for addiction recovery, which can provide daily support and motivation. Remember, each individual’s journey is unique, and finding the right combination of tools that resonate with you is crucial. By incorporating a diverse range of resources into your recovery plan, you create a more tailored and effective approach to achieving and maintaining sobriety.

5. Create a routine

Addiction recovery goals typically include all of these and more, whereas other New Year’s plans could only focus on one or two of these areas (exercise, volunteering, community involvement, or dieting). Sobriety stimulates the development of new habits to replace the old, possibly hazardous ones that may have originated from addiction.

Relapse prevention is greatly aided by making little adjustments to one’s daily routine. Though the road to sobriety is one that must be traveled for the rest of one’s life, the average amount of time it takes to establish a new habit is 66 days. You may be able to find the best road to recovery by combining new fitness habits with treatment, forming a support system, and using alcohol monitoring. Acknowledging progress along the way is crucial for establishing long-term routines.

a man doing his mornign routine as part of the New Year's Resolutions for People in Pennsylvania Recovery
A daily routine will help keep you on track.

6. Celebrate all your milestones

We seem to have lost sight of the value of acknowledging our accomplishments along the road. Instead of resting on our laurels after accomplishing a significant task, we immediately set our eyes on the next target. It’s easy to get caught up in this loop in today’s fast-paced environment. However, you shouldn’t forgo the step of honoring your accomplishments. Monitor your progress toward permanent abstinence every day. There will be obstacles in your path, but you must make a conscious effort to celebrate every victory, no matter how minor.

In the path of recovery, every step forward, no matter how small, is a reason for celebration. Recognizing and honoring these small victories helps to build self-esteem and reinforces positive behavior. Whether it’s resisting a craving, reaching a sobriety milestone, or simply managing to have a productive day, each success is a testament to your strength and determination. Create a personal ritual or a way to mark these achievements, like journaling your progress, sharing with a support group, or treating yourself to a healthy reward. By celebrating these moments, you remind yourself of the progress you’ve made and fuel your motivation for the journey ahead. The cumulative effect of these small triumphs can lead to profound changes in your life and a deeper appreciation for the journey of recovery.

7. Journal and confront all your negative thoughts

Particularly if you have just completed inpatient rehab PA, there is much more to discover about yourself and about the realities of a sober life. Resolving to keep a diary in the new year might be a good New Year’s goal for those in recovery. Writing in a notebook may help you keep track of your progress, both good and bad, and identify potential relapse triggers. Writing down your thoughts and feelings might help you realize whether you’re in danger of relapse and prompt you to get treatment in a timely manner.

woman journaling as one of her New Year's Resolutions for People in Pennsylvania Recovery
Journaling during recovery offers a powerful tool for self-reflection and emotional processing, serving as a therapeutic outlet to track progress, unravel thoughts, and maintain focus on personal healing.

Destructive and negative thinking patterns, which may be based on erroneous reasoning or become grossly exaggerated if left uncontrolled, may contribute to the development of addiction. So, in 2023, you should resolve to interrupt your negative thinking patterns anytime you see them escalating. It’s important to actively challenge negative ideas as soon as they enter your mind. Try to force yourself to see the sunny side of things. Your view on life may benefit greatly from this shift in perspective.

8. Promise yourself that you will seek assistance when necessary

Contrary to popular belief, addiction is not a result of a lack of willpower but rather a chronic sickness. Get in touch with your sponsor or Allentown rehab center if you start to experience the need to use it. Avoid missing out on recovery progress due to lack of transportation by reaching out to a buddy who has been there for you throughout your treatment sessions and asking for a ride. Although putting oneself out there might seem awkward at first, it is an important part of becoming better.

Remember, reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Addiction recovery is a journey that you don’t have to navigate alone. Building and maintaining a strong support network is crucial. This network can include family, friends, therapy groups, or online communities. They can offer not just practical assistance but also emotional support. Engage regularly with people who understand your struggles and can provide encouragement and advice. By staying connected and being open about your needs, you cultivate a supportive environment that can greatly increase your chances of long-term success in recovery. This network becomes a safety net, catching you if you stumble and cheering you on every step of the way.

9. Exercise regularly

Strength, stamina, and vitality can all be boosted by regular exercise, and the happy endorphins your body produces are an added bonus. If you’ve been sitting around all day, consider going for a walk or riding a bike after supper and starting your day with some rejuvenating yoga. Incorporating regular physical activity into your recovery journey is not just about improving your physical health; it’s also a key step in achieving mental and emotional balance. Exercise acts as a natural stress reliever, helping to clear your mind and provide a sense of calm and focus that is invaluable during recovery.

Whether it’s a brisk walk in the park, a swim, or a group fitness class, find an activity that you enjoy and make it a part of your routine. This commitment to your physical well-being can significantly enhance your overall recovery process, giving you the strength and resilience to face challenges and celebrate your progress in a healthy, fulfilling way.

a person tying a shoelace
Regular exercise can help boost your mood.

10. Cultivate gratitude

Due it’s very upbeat tone, the phrase “Grateful people are happy people” may easily be seen on a bumper sticker. But it is also supported by scientific studies on gratitude. It’s nice when someone does something for you and your heart fills with gratitude and happiness. But you don’t have to wait for circumstances to bring this emotion to you; rather, you can actively generate feelings of gratitude for yourself with the experiences you currently have. And create new experiences that will bring additional sentiments of thankfulness to your life and the lives of people around you. One of the results of cultivating an attitude of thankfulness is stronger resistance to stress.

Be generous with a single act of kindness every day. Addiction makes it difficult to think about anything except one’s own needs. Sobriety requires learning how to serve both oneself and others. Volunteering at a soup kitchen, helping a neighbor relocate, or spending time with animals at the local shelter are all great ways to give back to the community and strengthen your own sense of self-worth.

The danger of unrealistic expectations

Expecting too much of yourself is a certain recipe for disappointment and frustration, both of which may pose serious risks to your sobriety. You are more likely to give in to stress, pressure, and disappointment if you make a commitment to remain sober but don’t follow a plan with precise steps to get you there.

a person upset about setting unrealisting New Year's Resolutions for People in Pennsylvania Recovery
Setting unrealistic New Year’s Resolutions for people in Pennsylvania recovery is not a good idea.

It’s easy to give up on sobriety if you set your sights too high and then find that you can’t live up to those impossible standards. It’s hard work to build the kind of long-lasting sobriety that can prevent relapse. You are setting yourself up for failure if, after completing a recovery program at a rehab center Reading PA, you assume the road ahead will be smooth sailing. Recognize that getting well will take time. Setting and accomplishing manageable but meaningful objectives might help you establish long-lasting improvements to your quality of life.

Therapy programs at Little Creek – The safe haven that will help you heal

Although setting New Year’s resolutions for people in Pennsylvania recovery is recommended, it is not the only thing on the list. Sometimes, we all need a little push. And if you want your New Year’s resolution to really come to life, you may need some professional help. That’s why we are here. So, take a look at some of the therapy programs at Little Creek that would be beneficial for you.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Changes in damaging thinking patterns and actions are the primary focus of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Which is a kind of talk therapy. By addressing faulty ways of thinking, CBT helps people learn to better manage their emotions. Patients can learn healthy coping mechanisms. As well as redirect negative thoughts and feelings into more positive actions with the support of skill training. CBT was originally created for the treatment of mental problems. But it has now been shown to be helpful in preventing relapse. Currently, CBT is utilized as an adjunct to addiction therapy since it increases the likelihood that a person will remain sober after they leave rehabilitation.

What is CBT best for?

CBT has assisted a broad range of mental health conditions since its start. Although CBT is most often used to treat eating disorders, it may also be used to treat other undesirable habits and challenging life issues. Problems that can be helped by cognitive behavioral therapy for drug misuse include:

  • Addiction
  • Mood Disorders
  • Generalized anxiety
  • Diseases of the nervous system
  • Diseases of the digestive system
  • Recuperation after a terrible experience

Several problems can be alleviated with a CBT treatment plan for substance abuse, which has a strong foundation in both clinical experience and research. Previous treatments have failed because they attempted to treat behavioral problems without determining their root causes. As a result, we provide our patients with a multifaceted therapeutic program that spans three distinct phases of treatment. As our patients begin to learn about addiction and develop the skills they’ll need to overcome it, we’re here to help.

talking about New Year's Resolutions for People in Pennsylvania Recovery with a therapist
CBT can help you substantially in your addiction recovery.

Making an attempt to alter one’s thought processes is what leads to demonstrable changes in one’s behavior. CBT can only help those who are willing to put in the time and effort necessary to recover. Our men-only inpatient facility provides a safe, distraction-free environment for patients to concentrate on their healing. Whether you are going through alcohol rehab Pennsylvania or drug rehab, CBT can be very helpful.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

DBT is a well-studied and widely-used therapeutic approach with solid empirical support. Originally conceived by Marsha Linehan, it is a cognitive-behavioral therapy for treating severe mental problems. Intended for use with female suicidal patients, it was very beneficial. This method has developed into an effective method of treating BPD over time (BPD). DBT is also being used extensively as a kind of addiction therapy. We use it in drug and alcohol rehab Pennsylvania as well.

The role of DBT in overcoming addiction and managing triggers

DBT has shown remarkable success in helping people overcome drug and alcohol addiction. Patients may learn coping mechanisms for dealing with and processing their unpleasant emotions and ideas via dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). Learning to identify and avoid triggers is a crucial element of addiction therapy. Patients in DBT treatment for addiction learn how to identify destructive thought patterns and how to resist the temptation to act on such thoughts. It’s possible for people to avoid becoming bogged down by negative ideas. And instead concentrate on what they really need and what would bring them happiness. Addiction is characterized by recurrent destructive patterns of behavior that escalate rapidly and frequently get out of hand. Individuals may get relief from their perpetually negative thoughts with the use of DBT.

Most rehabilitation programs emphasize the need of avoiding the patient’s triggers and stressful events. However, those in recovery who have participated in DBT will learn to regulate their emotions and behavior in response to their triggers. When a person’s triggers are quite extensive, this might be crucial. DBT for AUD, for instance, may help former drinkers feel safe enough to join in on social activities.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment

We are proud of our facility’s capacity to inspire and assist people from all walks of life at Little Creek Recovery. The histories, experiences, and addiction problems of these people are as diverse as the people themselves. It is our responsibility to aid each individual on their way to lasting pleasure and health. Accordingly, we pay close attention to detail to guarantee that each patient receives a personalized treatment plan. Our patients at dual diagnosis treatment centers Pennsylvania are especially likely to benefit from this.

in group therapy talking about New Year's Resolutions for People in Pennsylvania Recovery
Group therapy is something we greatly encourage.

We will meet with you with a single goal in mind. And that is to craft a treatment plan that takes into account the unique characteristics of your mental disease and your addiction. Since the strategy is being crafted by professionals with extensive expertise, you can rest certain that it will be effective. The entire shebang is going to be a part of your strategy. We’re committed to covering all the bases, from conventional methods like individual and group therapy to creative ones like Music and Art Therapy in Pennsylvania. That’s the benefit of having a team that includes experts on the disease of addiction.

Committing to change: The role of resolutions in addiction recovery

Keeping a New Year’s goal is never easy. But when it comes to addiction recovery, just making the decision to start living a clean life is a huge accomplishment. Setting New Year’s resolutions for people in Pennsylvania recovery can be very beneficial if done with the right mindset. Find out how Little Creek Recovery can help you during any point in your rehabilitation process. Join the exclusive group of people who can claim they set a resolution and stuck to it this year. You won’t believe how much a person can improve in just one year.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

“Adventure trek is always popular”

Little creek lodge is such an amazing place for people who want to make a serious change in their life. I’ve watched my loved one grow immensely through his recovery with the help of the caring staff and engaging programs. Adventure trek is always popular on the agenda!

Annabelle Stiso |

Take the First Step Towards a Healthier Life

Let Little Creek Recovery Center guide you down the right path to recovery, personal growth, and long-term sobriety.

Begin Today

Need Help?

Contact Us 24/7

x

Contact Us

For Help Today Email or Call us at 877-689-2644.

Little Creek Lodge 359 Easton Turnpike Hamlin, PA 18427