Maintaining our connections to others is part of staying present and accountable for our recovery. The holidays should be a festive and happy occasion, but they also pose significant challenges. The winter season may enhance strained relationships and increase drug and alcohol temptations.
Avoid Known Triggers
Addiction Resource aims to provide only the most current, accurate information in sober holidays regards to addiction and addiction treatment, which means we only reference the most credible sources available. Relapse among people with substance use disorder is not uncommon. Early signs of a relapse or slip may be identified by family members, friends, or other loved ones, such as a spouse. Turn off the TV, turn down the lights, read a book, or drink a cup of calming noncaffeinated tea. Some triggers can be more general, like being at a bar, while others can be very personal to your own experience, such as being with someone you used to drink heavily with. Or you can connect with a trusted friend or family member who has supported you throughout your recovery journey.
Steps for Staying Sober During the Holidays
In early sobriety, it may be that we allow ourselves a half-hour at the beginning of the event to simply make an appearance, say our hello’s, and slip out quietly. If it feels safe to stay at the party into the night then by all means enjoy the evening, but if feeling triggered or tempted starts to enter the picture we need to have a plan to exit without excuse. Staying sober from drugs and alcohol during the holidays, for some, is only half the battle for staying grounded and secure in recovery.
Building Healthy Daily Routines in Recovery
Admittedly, this step of accepting that you need treatment is likely one of the most challenging in any addict’s life. However, we know that it is essential to anyone who hopes to live a long, healthy and happy life. Anticipation, on the other hand, is living with a loose grip and being willing to accept the gift that is the moment at hand. During the holiday season, remember to regularly take stock of what unmet expectations could be robbing you of your holiday joy. Accepting life on life’s terms requires living with the loose grip of anticipation rather than the tight fist of expectation. The helpline at AddictionResource.net is available 24/7 to discuss the treatment needs of yourself or a loved one.
Start a new tradition this year
The holidays can be an incredibly stressful time for anyone, especially those struggling with a substance use disorder or mental health condition. While the New Year is a popular time to make a change for the better, waiting to get the help you need is never the best option. To get started on your recovery journey, contact a treatment provider to learn more about your options. The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness. However, for individuals in recovery, it can also be a time filled with triggers, https://ecosoberhouse.com/ stress, and temptations that may threaten their sobriety. Staying sober during the holidays may be challenging, but it is achievable with the right strategies and support.
Set Boundaries for Events
- During the holidays, AA and NA have many gatherings that serve as safe and smart alternatives to alcohol-infused parties.
- The key to getting back on track is not to try to hide it, but to be honest about it and reach out for additional support.
- For some addicts, their main support system lies in the hands of their family, or even close friends.
- And it’s important to have someone to text or call if you find yourself struggling with alcohol cravings at a holiday event or in general.
- Thanksgiving is known for being a holiday that features a lot of food, as well as drinking for those who don’t abstain from alcohol.
Keeping your daily routine on track will help you stay focused on recovery. Remember, each piece of additional treatment and support only strengthens your stand against relapse. One of the first things to remember about the holidays is that you can always say no. Family and friends are important, but if you are worried that visiting them will trigger a relapse then you need to prioritize your recovery. Your family may not understand, but your recovery and health should come before holiday obligations. Likewise, if you believe that staying home alone during the holidays could also trigger you to use again, then consider calling up someone you trust to either spend the time with or to join in their festivities.
- The Dawn Wellness Centre and Rehab is a unique, Thailand-based drug and alcohol rehab centre designed to promote an atmosphere of personal growth, healing, and self-discovery.
- In other words, if you are feeling hungry, get something to eat.
- It is important, especially in early sobriety, to never feel trapped at any holiday social gatherings, especially since there are likely to be temptations or triggers that need to be averted.
Taking Care of Yourself
This helpline is answered by Legacy Healing Center, an addiction treatment provider with treatment facilities in California, Florida, Ohio, and New Jersey. If you or a loved one are overcoming a relapse or facing addiction for the first time, you can find treatment today. Browse our website to find a treatment center to contact today. There are plenty of sober holiday traditions that you and your loved ones can create together to strengthen your recovery. This can be helpful in times of stress, where you may find yourself struggling to think clearly or rationally about how to cope with urges to drink alcohol or use drugs.
