During her first sober holiday season last year, Haydel reveled in meaningful conversations and the joy of waking up feeling good each morning with clear memories of the night before. If you need addiction treatment in Columbus, Ohio, contact Dove Recovery. We offer substance abuse treatment, mental health services, aftercare options, and more, and we accept most insurance plans. Even with the best communication, setting boundaries with family can still be challenging. But it’s important to let them know what you need to feel comfortable during the holidays.
- Cultivating gratitude can shift your focus from challenges to accomplishments, helping you maintain a positive mindset.
- Establish a simple code word or phrase—something like “I need to check on the car” or “Can you help me find something?
- Stay strong, stay centered, and most importantly, stay proud of how far you’ve come.
- (But if they do, confidently suggest they call an Uber.) Furthermore, always park your car in a spot that won’t be blocked in by other cars.
How Does Addiction Impact the Lives of the Children of Addicts?
- We’ll discuss a few ways you can stay sober during the holidays.
- It’s OK to not feel OK — even and especially during the holiday season.
- With a solid plan, a little humor, and some support, you can handle anything that comes your way.
- The temptation to drink beer at BBQs and parties can be strong, and the fireworks can trigger anxiety or flashbacks for those who have experienced trauma.
- But people in recovery can also be a time of temptation and relapse.
We’ll discuss a few ways you can stay sober during the holidays. Support groups such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) provide a valuable sense of community, especially during the holidays. Many local groups hold special holiday meetings or events to offer additional support during this time. Post-holiday blues refer to short-term feelings of sadness, loneliness, and depression that individuals may experience after the holidays. This can be particularly challenging for those maintaining sobriety. Christmas morning can be a challenging time for those maintaining sobriety.
On the Fifth Day of the Sober Holidays: Avoid Triggers
“Staying sober during the holidays feels a bit like showing up to a costume party in regular clothes — like everyone’s in on something, and you’re the odd one out.” Ice skating engages your whole body, releasing endorphins that improve mood naturally. The physical challenge and social aspect provide a healthy alternative to drinking. Outdoor Halfway house activities provide natural mood boosters and help create lasting memories. To get started, choose one project that interests you most.
Create New Alcohol-Free Traditions
- Add to that the pressure of gift-giving and attending parties, and it’s no wonder that so many people struggle to stay sober during the holidays.
- Their rehab alumni program also offers ongoing support and resources to help graduates maintain lasting recovery after completing their programs.
- Your escape plan isn’t about failure—it’s about honoring your commitment to yourself when circumstances become overwhelming.
- Being the designated driver is a smart strategy for staying sober at holiday parties.
- For example, if family or certain social gatherings tend to be a source of conflict or family drama, just meet and greet there.
These aren’t luxuries—they’re essential components of self-care in recovery that strengthen your ability to navigate holiday stressors without compromising your sobriety. Accountability partners serve as your lifeline during challenging situations. Establish a simple code word or phrase—something like “I need to check on the car” or “Can you help me find something? ”—that signals to your trusted companion that you need immediate support or an exit strategy. These pre-arranged check-ins create an unspoken understanding that protects your sobriety without drawing unwanted attention.
Sober Holidays Tip #17 Remember that being in recovery doesn’t mean instant heaven or a perfect life. Coming to grips with the idea that sobriety is not instant heaven is an important https://www.polyesterties.co.uk/2022/08/01/understanding-etoh-ethanol-ethyl-alcohol-abuse-3/ step in recovery. Most people with addiction expect their upside-down world to immediately turn right side up.
Have an exit plan
A supportive family can make the difference between recovery and relapse. Family members need to get involved in their sober holidays own recovery from codependency. Then, you and your loved ones can work together as a team to recover together and avoid holiday relapse. When it comes to tips to stay sober self-care is at the top of the list.
Setting Boundaries and Managing Social Pressures
When combined with the romanticized cultural narrative that holidays “require” alcohol to be enjoyable, individuals face a perfect storm of vulnerability. The brain’s association between celebration and substance use becomes particularly loud, making staying sober during the holidays a deliberate practice rather than an automatic response. Setting an exit plan if situations become uncomfortable or risky is crucial to protect your sobriety during celebrations.
Common emotional triggers
When you’re surrounded by people who are drinking and having a good time, it can be particularly tempting to take a sip. Attending support group meetings regularly can help you stay connected and focused on your recovery goals. By prioritizing self-care, you create a strong foundation for navigating the holiday season with resilience. Take a moment during the holiday season to think about your progress. Think about the positive changes you’ve made and what you’ve achieved in your recovery.
Advanced Tips for Staying Sober at Holiday Parties
If it’s your first holiday season in sobriety and you have limited friends from support groups, this is a great chance to get to know people in the meetings. Some examples of people you may meet are those that are new to sobriety or those who have come a long way. Connect with them, get their phone numbers and keep in touch over the holidays. For those in sobriety, the holiday season might seem stressful.