Ringing in the New Year can be Tough for Some

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Written and reviewed by the clinical and leadership team at 449 Recovery, including licensed therapists and behavioral health professionals experienced in treating mental health and substance use disorders. Based in Mission Viejo, California, our team provides evidence-based, integrated outpatient care focused on long-term recovery, stability, and personalized treatment.

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It is that time of year again already. Out with the old, in with the new. We tend to take stock of where we are at the end of each year and make resolutions for the New Year. Unfortunately, many of us barely make it two weeks before the pledges are broken. But for those who suffer from depression or anxiety and are recovering from addiction, ringing in the New Year can be rough.

This is especially true after the past two years with Covid19 thrown into the mix. We have to come to terms with the fact that Covid19 is going to be a yearly illness like the flu or common cold.

How do you look back and plan for the New Year without becoming more depressed or anxious? Once you have started recovery, it’s important not to look back past that date. Instead, use the fact that you are in recovery as a positive foundation. Looking too far into the past can increase feelings of depression or anxiety and may cause you to see yourself as a failure—when that simply isn’t true. You are not a failure; you are a winner. By committing to recovery, including participating in outpatient rehab, you are actively choosing growth, healing, and accountability. Recovery marks the beginning of your new life, and with it comes a fresh New Year filled with possibility, progress, and hope.

Instead of resolutions, try setting goals with an idea to reach those goals. Let’s say your goal is to purchase a car. The strategy is to work extra hours as much as possible and keep your spending down. Stay on budget and save the overtime money for a car. Keep track of everything you save so, you have a ledger of your progress. Your goal may be to learn a new skill, such as how to cook or how to dance. Just remember to set the goal, write out a proposal, and stick to the plan. With the structure and accountability provided by rehab programs, you can follow a clear arrangement designed to guide you, making it much easier to reach your goal than you might expect. We can help you reach your goals, contact us today 855-735-7449

Happy New Year.

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Dr. Barek Sharif, LMFT

(Medical Reviewer)
Dr. Sharif is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who joined 449 Recovery in 2020 and oversees clinical operations as the Chief Clinical Officer. He earned his B.A. in Psychology and M.S. in Clinical Psychology from Vanguard University and completed his Doctor of Psychology from California School of Professional Psychology. Since 2011, Dr. Sharif has been dedicated to helping individuals, couples, and families heal from co-occurring disorders, including mental health, relational, and substance use challenges. He has led workshops on family dynamics, attachment injuries, spirituality in sobriety, and the impact of trauma on relationships.

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