The year 2020 was a total rollercoaster. But we made it through, and are looking ahead to what comes next in 2021. Now that the holidays are over and the ball has dropped in Times Square, your thoughts may be turning to New Year’s resolutions and how you can make positive changes that are good for you going forward. Whether you want to be more present or reconnect with friends and family, each step you take toward the version of yourself that you want to be can be looked at as a part of your recovery.
Recovery is most often defined as the process of restoring your body and mind to an optimal state of health. This includes rediscovering pieces of yourself that may have gotten lost along the way. As we say goodbye to 2020, we’ve outlined SAMHSA’s (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) 10 Guiding Principles of Recovery to help you on your quest for healing and self-discovery in the new year so that you can make meaningful progress toward your goals with a clear focus and vision.
- Recovery emerges from hope.
A better future is possible, and you can overcome the barriers and challenges that stand in your way. Last year was full of both, but the hope fostered by your loved ones is a catalyst for recovery that will continue to help you find health and happiness in 2021. - Recovery is person-driven.
Your self-determination and desire to heal have gotten you where you are today. You’ve defined your own recovery goals, laid the foundation and made the decision to regain control of your life. Throughout this process, you’ve also chosen to surround yourself with the right people to help you get there — treatment providers, support systems and others who’ve assisted you on this path. Yourself, your peers and your allies are an important part of the formula for lasting recovery. - Recovery occurs via many pathways.
No two people are alike, and neither are how they recover from addiction or mental illness. Recovery is a deeply personal experience based on the unique strengths, goals, beliefs and preferences of each individual. Find out what works for you and build on it — whether it’s meetings, therapy, your faith or simply helping others. There’s no single path to recovery, but ongoing growth and self-improvement mean that you’re probably on the right track. - Recovery is holistic.
Recovery is more than an absence of symptoms or getting sober — it’s about improving your well-being on all fronts. Your body, mind and spirit are crucial to this equation, but so are your relationships, housing, career and community. By focusing on all aspects of your life and seeing them as connected to your recovery, you can achieve meaningful progress that continues to evolve with you throughout the years. - Recovery is supported by peers and allies.
Recovery doesn’t happen alone. The support you get from professionals, peers and family members can help you stay focused on your recovery while providing a crucial sense of accountability, encouragement and community. Connect with your support network regularly and reach out for help when you need it. - Recovery is supported through relationships and social networks.
As you begin a new, recovery-oriented chapter in your life, you’ll leave behind unhealthy habits or behaviors. This will open you up to new experiences, roles and opportunities that are more rewarding and fulfilling. Strong relationships with your family, friends, treatment providers, community and peers can provide valuable support as you take on more responsibilities and help you reach your potential in new and exciting ways. - Recovery is culturally-based and influenced.
Your culture and background are important in determining what your recovery pathway may look like. Seek out services or support groups that resonate with you and are attuned to your traditions, beliefs and values, but that are also personalized to address your own unique needs. - Recovery is supported by addressing trauma.
For many, trauma is often a precursor to substance abuse or mental illness. To achieve true recovery, it’s essential to address any underlying concerns that can drive unhealthy or destructive behaviors. By dealing with issues like trauma in your recovery, you can break the cycle and forge a new path forward to a healthier, happier life. - Recovery involves individual, family and community strengths and responsibility.
The foundation for lasting recovery rests on the commitment and strengths of individuals, their families and communities. For those in recovery, families and communities provide resources and support, while individuals themselves are accountable for their own self-care and engagement in the healing process. We all have a responsibility toward one another, and honoring this duty benefits both individuals in recovery and communities as a whole. - Recovery is based on respect.
People with substance abuse or mental health problems are still faced with a lot of stigmas. Taking steps toward recovery requires a tremendous amount of courage, and it’s important to acknowledge this in both yourself and others. Doing so can help further the acceptance, self-efficacy and sense of identity that are so important to achieve and sustain meaningful recovery.
Although these principles were developed for those with addiction or mental health problems, they’re relevant to anyone on a journey of wellness, healing and self-discovery. Incorporating these principles into your New Year’s resolutions can help you achieve a renewed sense of well-being and jumpstart your ongoing journey to health and wholeness. Let’s make 2021 the year that you become the best version of yourself yet.
The beginning of a new year is a time of introspection and reflection, so take this opportunity to look within and develop new strategies for improving your health, hope and happiness. And if you or someone you love needs extra help dealing with addiction or mental illness, don’t hesitate to reach out to Avalon Malibu. To learn more about our treatment programs, contact or call us today at (844) 857-5992.
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