The quote, “Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall,” by F. Scott Fitzgerald has special meaning for those who want to make a big change in their life. We often think of January as being the time for resolutions, but no particular month has to mark the right time for change. In fact, many people find that the change of seasons gives them the fresh perspective they’re looking for.

The fall is a beautiful time of year, and it may be prompting you to reexamine your life and make changes that will allow you to be happier and healthier. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction and mental illness, help is available. It can start today.

Here are a few reasons for starting your recovery at a Phoenix treatment center this fall.

Be Sober for the Holidays

The winter holidays can be a trigger for drugs and alcohol. With the additional holiday parties and get-togethers, some people take their alcohol abuse to another level. To avoid worsening your addiction or getting into financial or legal trouble, start your recovery in the fall. You will still be early in your recovery by December, but you can be sober.

Have Time to Prepare for the Holidays

By starting recovery now, you can plan accordingly for the holidays. There will be certain celebrations you’ll have to skip, and you can let people know now. You and your family might choose to do something different this year, such as going on a sober cruise or hosting an alcohol-free Thanksgiving dinner. Making accommodations early on will relieve stress, and you’ll have learned some essential coping strategies by this point.

Make Change During a Season of Change

Fall is a time for change. The kids are back in school. Certain jobs are starting fresh such as teachers, principals and librarians. The leaves are changing colors and falling off the trees in preparation for the winter. All in all, autumn signals positive transformation. By taking a walk outdoors and using your five senses, you can find the motivation to change right in front of you.

Enjoy Access to the Outdoors

Humans need fresh air to thrive. Recovering addicts benefit from being outdoors and getting fresh air, Vitamin D and social interaction. Unfortunately, many parts of the U.S. have winters that are cold, dreary and isolating. This is usually a difficult time to start recovery unless you go to a drug rehab in Phoenix AZ. The fall, however, is usually warm, sunny and pretty. You can run outdoors, visit a lake or enjoy dinner on the patio, all things that reduce the risk of relapse.

Schedules are Back to Normal

Lastly, schedules are back to normal for most people. The summer is a more laid back time, and the winter holidays also bring time off. Right now, everyone is back to the normal grind, and this can help you settle into a routine that includes inpatient or outpatient care. Also, because the kids are back in school, it may be easier to attend an outpatient program.

There is no “right” time to start recovery – the best time is always in the present moment. Continuing to use drugs and alcohol only worsens the addiction and can lead to long-term consequences. To start rehab in Phoenix that accommodates your fall schedule, call Continuum Recovery Center.