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New Year’s Resolutions in Recovery

Updated: December 31, 2025

Addiction recovery is an ongoing journey. While overcoming substance abuse requires more than a New Year’s resolution, setting New Year’s resolutions in recovery can help you strengthen your sobriety, overall health, and quality of life. At Align Recovery Centers, we help people heal from addiction by aligning the mind, body, and soul. Whether you want some ideas for New Year’s resolutions–or need help sticking to them–we’re here for you.

Ideas for New Year’s Resolutions in Recovery

First, what are some ideas for New Year’s resolutions in recovery? If you’re working to overcome addiction, you likely already know the importance of self-care, community, and sober activities. Your New Year’s resolutions can reflect those values. For example:

Volunteer. Whether you commit to volunteering once this year or weekly, it is a great way to support your health and happiness, as well as that of your community.
Learn a skill. There’s always power in learning new skills. It could be something fun, such as a creative hobby (e.g., painting, woodworking), martial arts, or something that helps you in everyday life, like driving or learning to cook several new dishes.
Strengthen your relationships. Interpersonal bonds can be fraught during addiction, but positive social relationships can benefit your recovery, quality of life, and well-being. You can set out to improve communication, spend more time with people you care about, or something similar.
Make a positive lifestyle change. Depending on your needs, this could be anything from getting enough sleep to taking your vitamins regularly.
Increase mindfulness. In addiction therapy, we often teach skills like mindfulness to help people cope with life stress and navigate triggers. Mindfulness benefits everyone, so whether you’re focusing on your overall mindset or incorporating a mindfulness practice into your daily routines, it is a superb goal.
Read more. Reading is good for your cognitive health. Deciding to read a certain number of books this year–or engaging in related activities, like a daily crossword puzzle–is an excellent resolution to set.

In therapy, we help clients set and work toward their goals. Even if they don’t seem to relate to sobriety, the truth is that what you do to create your life after addiction makes a major difference. Our team is here to help you navigate all areas of life and meet your objectives.

Tips for Setting New Year’s Resolutions in Recovery

New Year’s resolutions can be hard to stick to. The average resolution lasts just 3.74 months. Here are some tips for setting New Year’s resolutions in recovery that can help.

Remember that small goals are powerful. Resolutions don’t need to be grandiose. Something simple, like not looking at your phone for 30 minutes before bed, can go a long way.
Work through all or nothing thoughts. If you experience a backslide or don’t follow through one day, don’t let it stop you from getting back on track the next.
Be specific. Setting a detailed goal, like “take a walk three times per week” can help you stick to it because it outlines how to follow through, as opposed to vague resolutions, like “exercise more.”

Additionally, celebrate small successes. Transformation does not happen overnight.

Our Programs

New Year’s is not the only time of the year that you can set out to change your life. If you need help overcoming addiction, our programs are here to set you up for long-term success.

Luxury Detox California

When you first stop using alcohol or other drugs, you’re at risk of withdrawal symptoms. These range in severity and may require treatment. Align provides luxury detox in California, which will help you get through this challenging but short-lived stage of the recovery process. Most people need 3-10 days in detox before starting a typical therapy schedule.

Inpatient

Residential inpatient treatment at Align helps clients build the lifestyle structure, support system, and skills needed to navigate recovery. This immersive 30-day program involves 5-7 groups per day, weekly individual therapy, 3-5 outings per week (including wellness walks, a fun activity, and 12-step meetings), and other activities, such as family therapy, which is strongly recommended if possible.

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

The partial hospitalization program (PHP) at Align offers intensive therapy in an outpatient environment. Rather than live on-site, clients participate in sessions at our center during the day but sleep at home or in sober housing. PHP can act as an alternative to or a step down from inpatient treatment.

Virtual Care

The virtual care options at Align allow clients and their family members to stay connected with our team from anywhere with a reliable internet connection. Virtual sessions are held over a secure online platform.

Call Align Recovery Centers to Make Lasting Change

Align Recovery is a top-rated addiction and dual-diagnosis treatment center in Northern California. The programs at our tranquil facility in Sonoma are covered by most insurance plans and other payment methods. We’re here to help you or your loved one heal from substance abuse and its effects. Call Align Recovery Centers to make lasting change today at 1-707-899-1996.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are some alternatives to New Year’s resolutions?

Not everyone connects with New Year’s resolutions, and that is okay. Here are some common alternatives:

Choose a word of the year.
Make a “bucket list” for the new year.
Write a gratitude list.

Like resolutions, these can become fun traditions.

How do I celebrate New Year’s Eve sober?

There are diverse ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve sober, and there are many alternatives to a typical New Year’s Eve party if that’s not the right fit. You might consider:

Game nights.
Movie marathons,
Making dinner or baking with friends.
Outdoor activities (e.g., hiking, camping, bonfires).
A DIY spa day or night.
Local sober events.
Watching the ball drop.
Setting intentions for the new year.
Volunteering.

Everyone is different. Choose an activity that sounds fun to you, and don’t hesitate to get creative or think outside of the box.

How do I protect my sobriety on New Year’s?

Remember that your sobriety is the most important thing. Many people encounter triggers on holidays, and New Year’s Eve is no different. Here are some tips that can help.

Set boundaries. Know that it is okay to leave an event, excuse yourself, or end a conversation if you have to.
Plan ahead. Before the day arrives, plan for what you can do if you encounter triggers.
Surround yourself with other sober people. Choose a sober event or activity to prevent exposure to substances, or get together with a group of people who are prioritizing their sobriety as well.
Use positive self-talk. This can be a challenging time of year, so be kind to yourself and celebrate your successes.
Stick to routines that support your recovery. Continue attending therapy and support group meetings during the holidays.

Additionally, make sure to ask for help if you need it. This could involve talking with a sponsor, trusted friend, family member, or treatment provider.

Is it okay to not do anything for New Year’s Eve?

Yes. While there are many sober activities you can choose from if you want to, it’s also okay not to do anything on New Year’s Eve. Do what is most beneficial for you, and remember that it’s just one day out of the year.