Tips To Keeping Up Recovery This New Year

Christmas and New Year can be a very difficult time for anyone with any sort of addiction problem – especially those with alcohol addiction. Drinking to excess is seen as more socially acceptable in the holiday season than it is in the rest of the year, and it often seems like you’re surrounded by people drinking alcohol wherever you go.

However, the new year is a time when many people commit to making a change and living a healthier lifestyle. You don’t have to be in the grip of serious drug addiction to want to make a change, but if you are in recovery or want to take the first steps towards quitting, it can be a good time to take stock and strengthen your resolve.

Making or continuing to maintain that change is not always easy, though, so here are some tips to help you keep up your recovery in this new year period.

Reflect on Your Achievements and Challenges

Before diving into resolutions and plans for the New Year, take a moment to pause and reflect. Think about how far you’ve come since you started your recovery journey. Acknowledge the hard work, dedication, and resilience you’ve shown to get to this point.

Recovery isn’t always a straight path; there are often ups and downs along the way. It’s okay to admit if there were moments where you struggled or stumbled. These moments can be powerful lessons.

By looking at what worked for you and what didn’t, you can gain insight into how to approach challenges moving forward.

Take It One Day At A Time

Whether you’ve been in recovery for a long time, are starting again after failing to stay sober at a New Year’s Eve party or are attempting to quit alcohol or drugs for the first time, it’s important to try to take each day as it comes. Recovery is a journey, and it often does not have an endpoint.

For many people, staying sober is a conscious decision they make every day. This may seem daunting, but it is often easier to make that commitment every day than to think about staying sober forever or even for the coming 12 months at this time of year.

If you haven’t been through professionally supervised alcohol or drug detox, it is also likely that you will be suffering from withdrawal symptoms and strong cravings for days and possibly weeks going into the new year. It is always better to go through alcohol detox under medical supervision if possible, but it’s always important to take it one day at a time during this period.

Set Realistic Goals

The New Year is synonymous with resolutions, but it’s important not to put unnecessary pressure on yourself with unrealistic expectations. Instead of overwhelming yourself with massive goals, aim for smaller, achievable ones that build confidence and momentum.

For example:

• Goal: You’d like to exercise more.
  • Realistic approach: Aim for a 15-minute walk three times a week instead of committing to an hour-long gym session every day.
• Goal: You want to improve your mental health.
  • Realistic approach: Commit to practising mindfulness for five minutes a day or attending one therapy session a month.

By setting attainable goals, you give yourself the gift of success rather than the disappointment of falling short.

Stay Connected to Your Support Network

Recovery can feel isolating at times, but you are never truly alone.

Building and maintaining connections with those who support your recovery is a crucial step toward long-term success. Whether it’s family members, friends or therapists, having people who understand your journey can provide strength and encouragement during tough times.

Here are some simple ways to stay connected:

• Check-ins: Schedule a weekly call or coffee with a trusted friend or family member.
• Celebrate milestones: Mark your recovery anniversaries with loved ones. These moments deserve to be acknowledged.

Don’t Be Too Hard On Yourself

It’s always best if you can avoid relapsing, but if you do, it’s essential to try to see it as a slip and not the end of your sobriety.

Recognising the mistake and learning from it can actually strengthen your recovery moving forward, as long as you are willing to see it in this way. Don’t forget that breaking free from an addiction is a very difficult process, and many people who go on to make a long-term recovery will stumble occasionally on the way.

Consider Attending Local NA Or AA Meetings

Support groups such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) can be very valuable for people in recovery, especially in terms of relapse prevention. AA or NA meetings can allow you to meet people who have been through similar recovery journeys in a non-judgemental and supportive environment. Many people have found these organisations’ 12-step programmes to be an effective way to overcome their addictions.

It is not the right choice for everyone, though, and there are other support groups and charities that can help you in your recovery journey. If you attend a rehabilitation centre, a comprehensive aftercare programme can also provide vital support and resources in the weeks and months afterwards.

Revisit Your Recovery Plan

Your recovery plan is like a roadmap for your journey, and the New Year is a great time to revisit and adjust it as needed. Life changes, and so do our circumstances and needs. What worked for you last year might not be as effective now, and that’s perfectly fine.

Ask yourself:

• Have any triggers or stressors changed?
• Do you need to add new coping strategies?
• Are there any goals or commitments in your plan that feel outdated?

Updating your recovery plan ensures it remains relevant and actionable.

Prioritise Self-Care

Self-care is often misunderstood as a luxury, but in recovery, it’s an essential practice. Taking time to care for your physical, mental, and emotional well-being helps build resilience and prevents burnout.

Practical self-care tips include:

• Physical health: Eating balanced meals, staying hydrated, and getting enough sleep. Even small efforts like a 10-minute stretch or choosing a healthy snack can make a difference.
• Emotional health: Journaling your thoughts, practising gratitude, or engaging in hobbies that bring you joy.
• Mental health: Setting boundaries with people or activities that drain you and making time for rest.

Keep Your Routine Consistent

One of the most powerful tools in recovery is structure. A consistent routine helps to keep you grounded and reduces feelings of chaos or overwhelm. It also minimises opportunities for boredom, which can sometimes lead to risky behaviours.

Your routine doesn’t have to be rigid or boring. It can include enjoyable activities like:

• Morning rituals: Starting your day with meditation, tea, or a walk.
• Healthy habits: Regular exercise, meal prep, or attending therapy sessions.
• Evening rituals: Journaling, reading, or practising gratitude before bed.

Manage Triggers Proactively

Triggers are situations, feelings, or people that may tempt you to return to old habits. Identifying and managing these triggers is an ongoing process in recovery. The New Year is a great time to reassess your triggers and develop strategies to navigate them effectively.

For example:

• If stress is a trigger, consider incorporating stress-relief techniques like deep breathing, yoga, or time management practices.
• If social situations are a trigger, prepare responses or excuses to decline offers that compromise your recovery.

The key is to have a plan in place so you feel confident and in control when faced with potential triggers.

Stay Mindful of Your Mental Health

Mental health and recovery go hand-in-hand. Challenges like anxiety, depression, or stress can make recovery feel more difficult, so it’s essential to prioritise your mental well-being. If you’re struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional. Therapy, counselling, or even speaking to a trusted friend can provide the support you need.

Celebrate Your Progress

It’s easy to focus on what’s left to achieve, but don’t forget to celebrate how far you’ve come. Recovery is a journey, and every step forward is worth acknowledging. Treat yourself when you hit milestones, no matter how small they may seem.

Simple ways to celebrate could include:

• Treat yourself to a meal at your favourite restaurant.
• Take a day off to relax and do something you enjoy.
• Sharing your achievement with a trusted friend or loved one.

If It’s Not In Your Best Interest, Say No

Boundaries are a key part of recovery. Saying “no” doesn’t make you selfish or unkind—it shows that you’re prioritising your health and well-being. Whether it’s declining a social event that feels risky or stepping back from a draining relationship, setting boundaries is an act of self-respect.

If saying “no” feels difficult, try practising phrases like:

• “I appreciate the invitation, but I’m focusing on myself right now.”
• “I’m not able to do that, but thank you for understanding.”

Focus on One Day at a Time

Recovery can feel overwhelming if you think too far ahead, so try to focus on the present. Taking it one day at a time allows you to manage challenges as they come without the added stress of worrying about the future.

A helpful mantra to remember is: “I only need to get through today.”

Be Kind to Yourself

No one is perfect, and recovery isn’t about perfection; all it’s about is progress. That is what you should be aiming for.

If you have a bad day or make a mistake, don’t be too hard on yourself. Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you’d offer a friend in a similar situation.

Seek Professional Support if Needed

Recovery isn’t a journey you have to take alone. If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure, consider seeking professional help. Addiction specialists, therapists, or recovery coaches can provide personalised guidance and support to help you navigate challenges.

Remember That Recovery Is a Lifelong Journey

Recovery isn’t something you “complete”; it’s a lifelong commitment. So, although going into 2025 and the New Year is a great time to refocus, know that every day is an opportunity to grow, learn, and move forward.

No matter what challenges come your way, you are strong enough to overcome them. You’ve already proven that by starting your recovery journey. Keep going, one day at a time, and don’t forget to celebrate every success along the way.