New Year, New You

I very much dislike New Years Resolutions.

Off the back of the hedonism of Christmas holidays, they tend to be unduly austere and punitive in nature. Not exactly the positive, encouraging re-enforcement that can actually give you a clear goal that you actually have a real desire to achieve.

Who hasn’t decreed they will exercise daily, despite feeling already overwhelmed through over commitment in various aspects of life, only to feel a “failure” by mid-January for not having smashed out another 5k before breakfast time? The taste of personal “disaster” can then hinder us in taking more reasonable, rational steps to move in a healthier direction.

BUT (and that’s a big but), I would say - if this New Year you’re reflecting on substance or alcohol use, and thinking you’d like to make a change, then any day is a great day to make a call and speak to someone about it.

This is, I think, one of the bravest things a person can do - to ask for support and admit there’s something not quite right with their relationship with a substance or alcohol. In terms of goal setting, some may be aiming for greater control over substance use while for others it may be complete abstinence.

Many people coming into treatment may have tried to initiate change independently tens or hundreds of times before. It can feel very lonely and frustrating. But the magic really happens by getting support: sometimes a family member or friend, but more often a professional who can recognise the challenges, and provide the right support and resources to overcome those challenges.

There are lots of supports out there, for the individual and for family members too, but you have to know where to look. That’s where the asking for help comes in!

For some people reading this today, it might be unsafe to make a drastic overnight change to use of substances - particularly alcohol. But asking for support - be it from your GP or a recovery advisor, can be a great first step to making changes safely and with support that you may need to achieve you goals.

What you need to know, before the call, is that you will be supported through the ups and downs of early recovery. To feel able to make a bond with a supportive and knowledgeable person who can help you to keep powering toward the goal even when things get tough.

So if you, or someone you care about, is struggling, please reach out. You stand to potentially gain unimaginable rewards.