Staying Sober During the Holidays Addiction Recovery Tips

Ask them if it would be OK to contact them every now and then. Verywell Mind articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and mental healthcare professionals. Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and https://ecosoberhouse.com/ accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. You can give yourself and your family the gift of recovery and start your new life now.

It might present to be beneficial to remember that reaching out for help is an act of vulnerability. This act of vulnerability not only benefits you directly but can also be viewed as an act of service to the individuals you are reaching out to. You might be accustomed to engaging in addictive behaviors when you spend your holidays. As a result of comfortability, there might be novel events that can, in turn, become annual traditions. Avoiding addiction triggers certainly acts as a great starting point.

Stay Helpful

Some families might consider the holidays an inappropriate time to help a loved one get into addiction treatment when, in fact, it could be an ideal opportunity. For many of the reasons mentioned above, substance abuse tends to ramp up over the holidays. Addiction treatment initiated during the holidays could be the best gift you give to your family, your friends and yourself. Though the risk of relapse runs high during the holidays, it is not inevitable. If you are in recovery from alcohol addiction, there are steps you can take to stay healthy and safe. While most often a merry time, many people still experience stress during the holidays. Whether it be last-minute gift giving or stressful relationships within the family, you may know these anxieties as well.

• It may mean volunteering to serve at local 12-Step support groups.
• Of all triggers, the most significant can be emotional triggers.
• If you are aware that certain people, places, or events will trigger your addiction, do your absolute best to avoid them.
• If pride is a factor, imagine a time in the future when you will be the one helping another family in need.

By being open about it, you will likely gain more support and encouragement than you’d ever imagined from family and friends. You may even inspire others to take the leap in their own efforts to get sober. If you just want to tell a selected, trusted number of people about your sobriety, that can also be beneficial. By doing so, you will gain some accountability as well as a small support system as you stay sober during the holidays. For many of us, the holidays are a season of peace and joy, where we decorate our memories with calm and happy moments.

Stay connected to other recovery folks

This offers some convenience because people can attend meetings from their home, while others prefer being in person because they feel more connected. It is important to check whether the meeting you want to attend is online or in-person before attending. While these are effective alternatives to AA and NA, they are also newer programs and offer fewer meetings. Celebrate the holiday season by taking time for yourself.

Make a list of people you can call on if times get tough and you need to talk about your feelings. These could be friends, family members, your counselor or sponsor, or members of your support group. Decide on and stick to a plan for the holidays and preparation. Ditch the running around and trying to get everyone the perfect gift. Consider talking to your family and friends and letting them know that you are trying to stay sober and are taking a minimalist approach to the holidays this year.

( Know Your Triggers

Life will take on a new meaning, and you will know happiness like you have never known before. Online learning opportunities sober holidays on substance use disorders, alcohol and drug prevention, violence prevention, behavioral health issues, and more.

So why put yourself through the act of “powering through” a challenge that can relapse triggers? Safeguarding your recovery and staying sober must always come first. Discuss with family and friends if alcohol will be present at the holiday gathering. Some clients have told me that they feel awkward and more anxious when their family does not drink because they feel like the spotlight is on them.

Reasons to Consult an Addiction Recovery Life Coach

Audra Franchini holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Creative Writing & English. Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. You can also exit with an “Irish goodbye,” when you sneak out without telling anyone. While this may seem rude, it might be necessary if you feel as if your sobriety is in jeopardy. Maybe your babysitter needs to get home, you have to wake up at the crack of dawn for an appointment, or nobody made it home to walk the dogs.