2020 has been a heck of a year for everybody, but even more so for people in recovery. In recovery, people tend to struggle more with isolation and loneliness. Yet, people with substance use disorder are also resilient. Throughout the year, people have learned to adapt and grow in the face of adversity. So how can you give yourself a small pat on the back this year?

Take a Look Back at Your Victories in 2020

Since the pandemic, if you’ve stayed sober, you have a huge victory to celebrate. Life has been very hard for everyone, and people in recovery have fallen between the cracks. If you have had the resilience to stay sober, that is something to celebrate. Did you ever think you would be sober during a pandemic?

There are probably at least a half-dozen new or scary situations you have had to navigate this year, and you’re still here. Did you learn Zoom? Begin meditating? Work your fourth or fifth step? These are all serious accomplishments that have probably enhanced your sobriety and helped you stay safe and sane.

Take a few minutes to think about all of the things you’ve learned and the ways you have found to cope. Write them down!

Celebrating Your Victories Through Self-Love and Care

Celebrate the things you managed to accomplish in 2020, even when life was scary and unpredictable. Even if you feel your “only” accomplishment was staying sober, you’ve got something to celebrate. You’re here now and you’re sober. If you live in California, you’re probably staying home these days. Staying home is again needed to flatten the curve. It’s hard to do but a huge victory if you stick with it.

Don’t skip your 12-step meetings, but DO take some of your time-off and just try enjoying yourself for a while. You’re going to have some downtime for the holidays, no matter what industry you might work in.

Think about ways to celebrate your victories:

  • What do you love to do most? Give yourself some extra time doing that activity, even if it means binge-watching a television series or movie series. Of course, you can make it an online activity with others as well.
  • Treat yourself. Maybe there’s a great self-help book you’ve wanted to reserve at the library. Or, you have a few dollars to spare, try that special brand of coffee you’ve had your eye on at the coop.
  • Make more goals. You’ve probably gotten a lot more done this year than you first imagined after the global pandemic set it. Now that you’ve settled into a “new normal,” start setting small goals to help you stay motivated.
  • Have a conference call or Zoom sessions where you and your friends (or colleagues) celebrate the end of the year. Ask everyone to assess the things they accomplished and take time to share accomplishments.

Staying On Track

It’s been a tough year, but it’s a new one next year. As we begin to move forward with a promising vaccine, we still have to be cautious. Ahead there are many unique challenges due to the pandemic and economic depression. Staying sober must always take precedence above all things.

Just remember, this too shall pass. The lockdowns aren’t going to last forever, and they are helping save lives. There are more things to look forward to in the future. Do your part to help stop the spread, and focus on your sobriety.

If you need help, it’s always essential to reach out to others in recovery. You’re never alone.

About the San Diego Society of Addiction Professionals

SD-SOAP is a peer group that works to innovate and create a standard of care in the addiction recovery profession. We have free online meetings for people who work in the treatment profession.