Taking time to meditate, get some exercise, practice a favorite hobby, or even just catch your breath can go a long way. Ideas about how to pursue either course most effectively are below. No matter sober holidays your faith or lack thereof, your country of birth, or your personal history, you deserve to enjoy a well-deserved break.
I’m In Recovery
Alternatively, you may replace alcohol-related traditions with baked treats. To increase the chances of success at sobriety, ask your friends and family to share any organizational responsibilities you may have. If you are facing financial difficulties, discuss sharing experiences instead of gifts. Lastly, many people face increased loneliness during the holidays despite the festive atmosphere. People in recovery may be more at risk if they are estranged from their families or lack a support system. Even with the best communication, setting boundaries with family can still be challenging.
Social and work events
- For those that have been in recovery from substance use disorder for a while, some of the greatest joy and inner freedom has come to you from staying clean and sober.
- If Uncle Brian is going to mix you a stiff drink, stay away from him.
- Holidays may intensify family expectations and dynamics, enhancing the preexisting tension between family members.
- Staying sober and safeguarding your recovery must always come first.
- Addiction relapse may be identifiable by physical signs of substance use, changes in behavior, or other cognitive or emotional symptoms of intoxication.
- Understanding your triggers, how to handle them, and how to respect your own boundaries is what keeps you safe, both emotionally and physically.
Staying sober during the holidays is a rewarding achievement that can strengthen your commitment to a healthier and happier life. By planning ahead, seeking support, and practicing self-care, you can not only maintain your sobriety but also create memorable and joyful holiday experiences that don’t rely on alcohol. Remember that your journey is unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Choose the strategies that resonate with you and adapt them to suit your needs. With determination and the right support, you can navigate the holiday season with confidence and stay firmly on the path of sobriety.
If you need treatment for addiction to alcohol or other drugs, consider going to rehab over the holidays
As we learn during addiction rehab and in the meeting rooms, recovery is a one-day-at-a-time endeavor, no matter the season. With a few creative strategies, we can still participate in holiday fun without going broke. For example, if you want https://ecosoberhouse.com/ to entertain, consider a potluck meal.
How To Set Boundaries With Your Loved Ones
- Engaging in service work is far more beneficial for our sobriety than simply writing end-of-the-year checks to our favorite charities.
- Grab a soda water with lime, a mocktail, a non-alcohol beer, a glass of fruit juice, or whatever you need to feel (and look) like you’re drinking while keeping your BAC on the ground floor.
- A mistake is not a relapse, and it’s not going to land you in rehab, but those secrets might.
- If things become overly challenging or stressful, a good friend can help you know when it’s time to walk away – and be there with you when you do.
If you are committed to sober holidays one of the best ways to minimize stress in the moment is to practice your response ahead of time. Caring for yourself will give you the reserves to manage both holiday stress and drinking urges and help you to feel your best throughout the season. At the end of the day, no holiday obligation is worth relapse. If it’s becoming too much or if you’re not sure you can handle it – then don’t test yourself, get out of the situation and into somewhere safe. At parties, it’s helpful to always have a glass of your non-alcoholic drink of choice on hand, so that no one will be tempted to fill you up or bring you a drink you’ll have a hard time turning down.
You’re certainly at risk of not being entirely yourself when you’re peckish; additionally, anger, loneliness, and tiredness can make us act in ways that are out of character and maladaptive. Remember, when you’re hungry, angry, lonely, or tired, it’s time to halt — take no action until you meet those needs fully and have time to process what the “real you” really wants. Planning how to say no also means that you’ll have something to say when you’re surprised with alcohol or when you’re suddenly fighting unexpected cravings.
Hatch a holiday escape plan, and plan to protect your sobriety
For those that have been in recovery from substance use disorder for a while, some of the greatest joy and inner freedom has come to you from staying clean and sober. It’s important to protect yourself from relapse during this holiday season where the alcohol, excitement, and emotions flow more readily than usual. On top of that, you can’t attend your home group meeting, and you haven’t heard from your sponsor in two days. Here are seven tried-and-true tips and strategies that will prepare you for the holidays, help you avoid relapse and protect you from any uncomfortable situations. Valley Hope provides a full continuum of substance abuse care including online addiction treatment through 14 programs across six states including Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas. Our programs provide compassionate, evidenced-based therapies, medical detox services, residential treatment, outpatient treatment and virtual treatment programs.
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But it’s important to let them know what you need to feel comfortable during the holidays. To help support your sobriety over the next few months, we feel it’s important to share with you our “12 Tips to Staying Clean and Sober during the Holidays”. Remember, the disease of addiction is as powerful the day after a holiday as it is the day of and the day before.