Embracing the Dry New Year: Navigating Sobriety and Sober-Curiosity

A New Year, A New Beginning

As the clock strikes midnight, the New Year offers a symbolic opportunity for renewal and growth. For those already on a journey of sobriety or those who are feeling sober-curious this moment holds a unique significance. Let's explore how Internal Family Systems (IFS) and recovery wisdom can guide you on the path to a dry and fulfilling start to the year.

1. Mindful Reflection:  Engage in mindful reflection on your relationship with alcohol. Explore the reasons behind your sobriety or sober-curiosity and use this self-discovery to strengthen your commitment to a healthier lifestyle.

2. Cultivating Self-Compassion: Apply the principle of self-compassion to your journey. Understand that embracing a dry New Year is a courageous choice, and practicing self-kindness, as well as seeking social supports can provide the emotional support needed for lasting change.

3. Acknowledging Inner Parts: Embrace the IFS concept of inner parts to understand and acknowledge the various facets of yourself. Recognize the parts that may have used past habits to protect you in some way and explore how to update and integrate them into your journey toward sobriety. 

4. New Year's Intentions with Purpose: Consider setting New Year's intentions that align with your journey of sobriety or toward sobreity. Whether it's focusing on wellness, personal growth, or cultivating new hobbies, let your resolutions be a reflection of your commitment to a fulfilling, alcohol-free lifestyle.

5. One Day at a Time: Adopt the recovery mantra of taking life one day at a time - maybe even some days 1-hr at a time.. Breaking down the journey into manageable steps can make the path to sobriety more accessible and less overwhelming.

6. Building a Support Network: Surround yourself with a supportive community. Share your aspirations for a dry New Year with trusted friends, safe family members, or a recovery group. Not all recovery groups are the same so explore some options this holiday season - these can include Smart Recovery, Dharma Recovery, traditional AA, or secular AA (such as Sober She Devils). Connection and understanding can be powerful allies on this journey.

Celebrating a Dry New Year

As you step into the New Year with a commitment to sobriety and sober-curiosity, celebrate the strength within you. Embrace the transformative power of making choices that feel in alignment with who you want to be and may this dry New Year be a chapter of self-discovery, growth, and lasting well-being.

*Disclaimer: The information in this blog is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for mental health care nor a recommendation or endorsement for any particular treatment plan, organization, provider, professional service, or product. The information may change without notice. No claims, promises, or guarantees are made about the completeness, accuracy, currency, content or quality of information linked. You assume all responsibility and risk for any use of the information.

IFS EMDR Therapy Group is an outpatient therapy group founded by Morgan Levine. We specialize in helping adults struggling with the effects of living in dysfunctional systems move toward healing and wholeness. We provide therapy to address symptoms such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, grief, obsessive and compulsive thoughts and behaviors including but not limited to using work, perfectionism, substances, relationships, food, etc. We offer ongoing support as well as EMDR intensives; both of which are informed by IFS, EMDR, DBT, CBT, Polyvagal Theory, trauma-informed yoga, attachment, and other recovery principles. Our therapists work virtually with clients living throughout Maryland, Washington D.C., Virginia, Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Florida.  Morgan Levine also provides trauma-informed consultation to therapists worldwide. Connect with us through our website at https://ifsemdrtherapy.com/contact-us.