How to Spend Holidays Sober

You are free to skip a year and focus on yourself, specifically on your health and well-being. The best way to manage triggers is to avoid them altogether, especially early in recovery. Keep building on your recovery foundation and reevaluate the party invites next year. Remember, the disease of addiction is as powerful the day after a holiday as it is the day of and the day before. As we learn during addiction rehab and in the meeting rooms, recovery is a one-day-at-a-time endeavor, no matter the season.

Support Your Recovery

At Longbranch Recovery, we understand the unique challenges of the holiday season and are here to help you every step of the way. Our team is available 24/7 to provide guidance, encouragement, and resources for you or your loved ones. This holiday season, give yourself the gift of continued progress, self-care, and support. Reach out to us today Drug rehabilitation to learn more about how we can help you thrive—not just during the holidays but every day. Staying connected with those who understand what you’re going through is a good way to feel understood, especially this time of year.

How to Spend Holidays Sober

Pressures Those in Recovery Face During the Holiday Season

For someone in recovery, a dry holiday can provide a safer, more supportive setting, minimizing the temptation or pressure to drink. The holidays can bring out a whole host of feelings, some of which can be difficult to navigate—stress, loneliness, and even the pressure to overindulge. But this time of year can also be a great time to reflect and remember why you started your recovery journey. Reconnect with your motivations, acknowledge your achievements, and stay focused on building the future you deserve. The holiday season may bring its challenges, but it also offers an opportunity to grow, reflect, and strengthen your recovery. For people living in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction, staying sober during the holidays can sometimes feel challenging.

  • Westwind’s sober living options and aftercare programs also create a stable, supportive environment during this potentially stressful time.
  • The emphasis on family and friendship during the holidays may bring up feelings of loss or regret, and without adequate support, these emotions could lead to temptation.
  • No matter your health goals, temptations are always around the corner.

Strategies to Help You Maintain Your Sobriety During the Holidays

Think back to when you were in school or work, and you practiced a fire drill. You knew exactly what to do and where to go when the alarm went =https://ecosoberhouse.com/ off. You can do something similar by actively nurturing relationships with a few people in your life who can provide support when needed. When a craving or urge hits during the holidays, you won’t have to rely on yourself alone. Remember, self-reliance can be a trap, so think of 3-5 people you can begin to reach out to.

How to Spend Holidays Sober

When stress comes knocking you may find it much easier to separate yourself from your thoughts, and not react. Some standard excuses are that you have to get up early the next day, you can’t mix alcohol with your medication, or you have to pick your child up on the way home. At Ria, we offer weekly meetings with certified counselors to help members stay on track and build skills for long-term change. Ria Health offers several FDA-approved medications for alcohol use disorder.

How to Spend Holidays Sober

Loneliness at Holiday Parties and Events During Addiction Recovery

It’s important to communicate your sobriety to those around you. Many people will respect your decision and can even help create a supportive environment. After the excitement and anticipation of the holiday season is over, it’s common to feel sad, disappointed, or a bit down. This is called the «post-holiday blues,» and it is usually temporary.

How to Spend Holidays Sober

With the right strategies, you can handle holiday triggers effectively, focus on enjoying the season, and stay committed to your recovery journey. Maintaining sobriety during the holiday season is possible by staying aware of potential triggers, having a solid plan in place, and relying on a strong support network. Take care of your physical and emotional health and reach out for support when you need it. As mentioned before, having a solid relapse prevention plan is crucial for staying sober during the holidays. This plan should include strategies for handling triggers, coping with stress, and seeking support when needed. It’s also essential to regularly review and update your plan as needed.

How to Spend Holidays Sober

Mocktails — mixed drinks made without alcohol — are the perfect answer for those embracing sobriety at this time of year. Non-alcoholic alternatives have been growing in popularity in recent years. The market for non-alcoholic beverages increased by 33% last year, topping out at over $300 million, according to Greenbook. As people embrace NA beers, wine and spirits, mocktails have become more creative and sober holidays the options more varied. To make the season meaningful, focus on creating new traditions, spending time with loved ones, volunteering, and practicing gratitude.