How to Boost Your Recovery in 2017

The holiday season is in the rear-view mirror now. Perhaps it was “the most wonderful time of the year” for some, but as a practicing addiction psychiatrist, I see that for many of those I assist with recovery, it can often be the worst time of the year. There are ads and commercials encouraging us to indulge in habits beyond what we can afford and a lack of the routine generally set by demands of work or school. Plus, there’s an increased amount of time spent with people we might typically avoid. Together, these factors can reignite addictions that have been dormant for some time.

Whether you or your loved one made it through the holiday season with recovery intact or severely challenged, here are steps you can take now to avoid relapse and make 2017 a year of health:

[See: 14 Ways Alcohol Affects the Aging Process.]

Quit Smoking

Many people battling addiction see tobacco smoking as the least of their worries. The easily accessible substance is a very popular bridge between opportunities for addicted individuals to consume their preferred substance. Unfortunately, the fact remains that tobacco smoking is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Fortunately, there are many ways to reduce one’s risk of harm by quitting or considering nicotine replacement gum, lozenges or patches. E-cigarettes appear to be safer than tobacco and can recreate many of the behaviors related to smoking that users crave. Psychotherapy and medications can also be used to treat cravings successfully and prevent relapse.

Although quitting doesn’t alleviate addiction to a former substance, it can motivate an individual by giving him or her confidence to succeed in treatment. Quitting can be a catalyst to activate a host of healthy behaviors and can assist with overcoming other addictions.

[See: 7 Health Risks of Binge Drinking You Can’t Ignore.]

Refraining from Toxic Relationships

During the holidays, leisure time is a limited commodity. While most addiction experts ask those in recovery to avoid family or friends who could directly lead a path back to drugs or alcohol, I suggest that “avoidance” should also include people who prompt negative moods. While an acquaintance may not have a drug or alcohol problem, he or she may bring you down in unrelated ways, such as criticizing your appearance, your accomplishments or your relationships. Just because someone lives a “healthy” lifestyle doesn’t mean he or she will inspire you to do the same. In fact, sometimes that person will act as a bully — and being bullied can lead you down negative roads you’ve worked hard to stop traveling.

[See: How to Find the Best Mental Health Professional for You.]

Find a Positive Community

People who are emerging from an addiction may have built a social circle with those individuals who endure similar struggles. Often, this challenge can be even greater when you’re trying to eliminate the use and accessibility of a particular substance in your life. It’s important to be mindful of those you surround yourself with during recovery. Seek out existing communities that motivate you to practice positive behaviors. These may be organizations aimed at helping others, protecting the environment or even supporting programming for children in the community.