2020 has been a rough year for everyone, and many of us are looking to the new year as an opportunity to start fresh, move forward, and make positive changes to our current situations. This may be especially true if you’ve struggled with addiction this year -- and many have, often as a result of the stress and isolation created by COVID-19.
At Recovery Care, Dr. Rosen and her team of addiction specialists know there’s no wrong time to begin setting goals, getting help, and taking those vital first steps toward your recovery journey. Here are four ways you can start welcoming the possibility of recovery into your 2021:
Reflect on Your Situation
The end of a year -- especially a tough one like 2020 -- is always a wonderful opportunity to pause, check in with yourself, take stock of your situation, and make decisions about how to move forward. A lot of people think that recovery begins with an epiphany, but in truth, you may be wondering if your addiction is “severe enough” for intervention. If you have this thought at all, the answer is likely “yes” -- addictions come in varying degrees, but even a relatively mild substance abuse disorder should be treated by a professional like any other illness. If you’re still struggling to justify treatment to yourself, ask yourself if you experience any of the following:
- Feeling out of control
- Inability to stop using
- Spending time and money trying to get your substance of choice
- Losing interest in the world around you
- Cravings of any degree
- A significantly increased level of tolerance
- Trouble in your relationships
- Prioritizing the substance over your responsibilities
- Making yourself sick
- Entering high-risk situations
- Withdrawal symptoms after not using
If you’re experiencing more than two of any of these symptoms, you’ve met official criteria for substance abuse disorders, and you should feel more than comfortable reaching out for help when beginning your recovery.
Rally Your Support Group
Once you’ve decided 2021 is the year to get clean, it can be extremely helpful to make your intentions known to the supportive people in your life who love you and want to see you thrive. This can benefit your recovery in a couple of ways: first, recovery should never be a road you walk alone, and by reaching out at the start, you’re laying the groundwork in building the support group that will stand by your side throughout the entire process. Second, support groups can be helpful in building accountability. Those around you are able to check in on your progress, support you in avoiding triggers, and help you stay on the right track.
Consider Your Options
Now that you have your support group in place and you’re ready to make moves toward recovery, it’s good to consider your options for how to proceed with your treatment. A comprehensive addiction recovery practice will offer a variety of options for you, depending on the nature of your addiction, your individual needs, and your personal goals. It’s best to approach your recovery on a number of these fronts, not just one; counseling, addiction-focused primary care, and drug testing services can all contribute to a well-rounded addiction treatment plan. If you’re battling an opioid addiction, you may also consider asking for medication-assisted treatment options such as Suboxone as part of your care.
See a Pennsylvania Addiction Treatment Specialist
When it’s time to truly begin your recovery journey, you’ll want to find an addiction treatment specialist in West Virginia or Pennsylvania who can provide every aspect of a comprehensive plan, and support you with experience and genuine compassion. At Recovery Care, we offer addiction counseling in a group or in an individual setting depending on your level of comfort. We also offer Suboxone in West Virginia and Pennsylvania, as well as multiple testing services that can aid you throughout the entire process.
If you’re ready to take that step and start your addiction recovery journey in 2021, Dr. Rosen and the team at Recovery Care are proud to stand with you and provide all the care you need. Our locations in Jeanette, Pennsylvania and Keyser, West Virginia offer comprehensive support with a compassionate, patient-first approach.
Ready to start living without addiction in 2021? Schedule an appointment today and take the first step toward being your best self.
