It’s the middle of January and I have already slipped!

Well, this is why New Year’s resolutions don’t have a great track record of success. As a matter of fact, according to US World and News reports, 80% have succumbed by the first week in February. And the overall success rate is less than 8%. Not very good odds.

There are many reasons that New Year’s resolutions don’t work.

  • They are artificial
  • They are not well thought out or planned
  • They are unrealistic
  • You have bitten more off than you can chew
  • You aren’t ready
  • You are doing it for someone else

Don’t beat yourself up if you’re having difficulty staying true to a New Year’s resolution--you are clearly in the majority! The key is to look at your individual situation. If your resolution is about facing an addiction, it may require some additional tools. For example, you might be emotionally and, possibly, physically dependent on substances and need a medically supervised detox.

Bottom line: when we speak of an addiction, it can be so complex that a simple New Year’s resolution is not going to be the answer.

So, let’s start again.

  • These are some of the questions to ask yourself
  • What is the substance that is problematic?
  • Am I committed to abstinence and recovery?
  • What are the resources available to me?
  • Who can I ask for help?
  • What have I tried in the past? What worked, what didn’t?
  • Do I need medical intervention?

Abstinence and recovery is not a matter of willpower or white-knuckling it. It is a conscious choice and decision. But you will need help. Everyone does. Please don’t be afraid to ask for it.

Rather than declaring a resolution, many people have been identifying a word or phrase that captures their theme for the New Year. Some that come to mind that might be helpful are recovery, freedom, inner peace, I’ve got this, success, hope, etc.

Please call us at 877-773-3869 if you are interested in a safe and convenient outpatient detox. We can help you get your New Year off to a better start. Deborah Reich, M.D.


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