If you are looking to achieve recovery from alcohol or other drugs, the idea of wiping the slate clean as 2024 comes to an end may bring you hope. Yet, if not implemented wisely, New Year’s resolutions tend to fail. Only 9% of people keep their New Year’s resolutions through the whole year. Lest you be disheartened by this statistic, here are some of the pitfalls behind it—and how you can escape them.

Unrealistic Expectations

One of the biggest reasons that New Year’s resolutions fail is that they are too lofty. If you plan to go from not exercising at all to exercising for two hours every day, you are likely setting yourself up for disappointment. Thinking practically about how much exercise you can schedule into your week can allow you to formulate a plan that is more likely to succeed.

When it comes to alcohol and other substance use, strict abstinence has traditionally been recommended. But sometimes, the idea of never drinking or using a drug again feels so daunting that it discourages people from seeking help. Ask yourself honestly whether the idea of a substance-free lifestyle resonates with you.

Perhaps the answer is no, but you would like to see whrther your weight goes down as you decrease your alcohol use. In that case, you can work with your primary care provider to set realistic short-term goals to reduce your drinking and follow up........

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