Ringing in the New Year While Saying Goodbye to Drugs or Alcohol
Ringing in the New Year While Saying Goodbye to Drugs or Alcohol
With the holidays just around the corner, many people are making their plans and getting into the festive spirit. For many people, the festive spirit will consist of a relapse into drugs or alcohol this New Year’s Eve as old hangouts and friends will prove to be an overwhelming influence. According to a recent study, 230 million people will use drugs this year. The bad news is that addiction is a lifelong struggle, full of ups and downs. The good news is that there is help available for those struggling with addiction. Whether you are dealing with alcohol or drug addiction, saying goodbye to drugs or alcohol will be difficult this time of year. But, there is help available.
Inpatient Treatment is a Great Option
Length of Stay
- Age and physical health
- The severity of the addiction
- Type of substance being abused
- The presence of any co-occurring disorders
- Financial resources
The Core of the Inpatient Program
The inpatient program can be overwhelming at first, as clients are introduced to a new environment and way of life. Potential clients will first take an assessment test that gauges their level of addiction and inclination towards sobriety. After the trial, new admits are escorted into the facility to meet their counselors and peers.
The Role of Groups in Treatment
Groups are an opportunity for clients to express themselves, talk about their issues, and get to know other peers who are experiencing the same struggle. Mediated by a qualified counselor, groups are conducive to sobriety.
- Activity Therapy –
An activity therapist will mediate this weekday group that utilizes role-playing, games, and other activities that serve as metaphors for the challenges of life as it relates to addiction. - Goals Group –
Goals group is usually held daily; once in the morning to determine each client’s goal as it relates to addiction and a recap in the evening to determine whether or not the goal was achieved. - Life Skills Group –
These groups are designed to instruct clients concerning all aspects of daily life skills and activities of daily living, as well as how to use appropriate coping skills as it relates to addiction.
Saying Goodbye to Drugs or Alcohol Takes Good Coping Skills
As part of an inpatient program, clients learn about alternative ways of dealing with life challenges instead of resorting to alcohol or drugs.
- Calling a friend
- Journaling
- Taking a walk or exercising
The Benefits of Choosing an Inpatient Program
Clients will experience many benefits in completing an inpatient program. Not only does an inpatient program protect clients during the detoxing process, but it also helps prepare them for their new and challenging life of sobriety.
- Clients are educated about drugs and alcohol.
- The caring staff provides an efficient support network.
- Clients are removed from outside negative influences while receiving treatment.
- The safe and structured environment protects clients from harming themselves.
- Clients will receive a sponsor’s number to call when they get an urge to drink or take drugs.
Sobriety is a Lifestyle Change
Like losing weight or any other ambition, there must be a change in lifestyle when saying goodbye to drugs or alcohol. This means that anything associated with the old lifestyle of drugs and alcohol must be abandoned including old friends, previous hangouts, and even clothing. The adage, “Out of sight, out of mind” are words to live by when it comes to addiction.
For many people, this New Year’s holiday season will be a very challenging and life-affirming time. Though it will be difficult, you don’t have to be another statistic. Whether you call a sponsor or check into an inpatient treatment program, there are caring and supportive professionals who want to see you or your loved one ring in the New Year while saying goodbye to drugs or alcohol.
