But these celebrations also often include drinking, making them sometimes difficult to enjoy for people in recovery. If you want to stay sober during the holidays, look for every opportunity to be of service. Serve a meal at a homeless shelter, reach out to a newcomer at a meeting, spend time with an elderly loved one or neighbor.
How to Stay Sober During their Holidays
If you feel scared or unsafe in your own home, reach out for help. Take an honest look at upcoming holiday events and whether it’s healthy to attend. If you feel uncomfortable about a family dinner, that’s enough.
- We believe that sobriety is more than just abstaining from drugs and alcohol – it’s about finding balance in all areas of life.
- At family gatherings and social events, tote around your favorite non-alcoholic drink.
- Prioritize your addiction recovery over other peoples’ misguided notions of fun.
- If you find yourself in a situation where everyone is drinking, and you’re feeling tempted, it’s important to have an exit plan.
- Remind yourself that you are deserving of this connection — deserving of kindness, love, and happiness.
- Recovery is a whole-person journey, mind, body, and spirit.
Renewal Center for Ongoing Recovery
Whether it’s peer pressure from friends or family members who are drinking, the holidays can be a difficult time to say no. In most cases, people give in to the pressure and drink, even if they’re not planning to. Sober Holidays Tip #8 Do a Recovery Zone ReCheck before the holidays get started. Think about the events coming up in the next few weeks. What situations could possibly set you on the road toward relapse?
Bring Your Own Beverages
They can help you keep your addiction recovery progress on track. There is also the fact that many holiday celebrations revolve around alcohol. It can be hard to avoid drinking from office parties to New Year’s Eve celebrations. Also, families and friends take this time to stock sober holidays up on their favorite alcoholic drinks, which can make it tempting to drink. Let’s get to even more concrete advice on how to stay sober during the holidays. To maintain your sober life during the holiday season, here are three of our favorite ways to navigate the festivities.
- You can cap off the day by going out for pizza with a few friends afterward.
- If you can’t afford to buy each child the latest tech gadget, think of a Christmas experience you can manage within your budget.
Whatever your goals are, make sure they are realistic and achievable. Whether it’s a friend, family member, therapist, or recovery sponsor, talking about what you’re going through can help you process your feelings and develop a plan to get back on track. If you are struggling with addiction, sobriety may seem impossible.
Trying to Stay Sober This Holiday Season? We’ve Got You Covered
- 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.
- Afterward, you will feel one step freer from the destructive patterns that have dragged you down in the past.
- Bring your own or select a festive nonalcoholic option and have an exit or even escape strategy if you start to feel anxious.
- Outpatient facilities have resident staff available, and generally provide transportation to AA or NA meetings.
- Family members expect holiday perfection, and they often demand every ounce of your time and energy—and patience.
If you become a ball of wretched energy during the holidays, perhaps your own expectations have become your downfall. Family members expect holiday perfection, https://ecosoberhouse.com/ and they often demand every ounce of your time and energy—and patience. The family menu is a constant carb-load, and traveling puts a strain on your wallet.
However, there are several practical strategies you can adopt to maintain your sobriety. One of the best ways is to keep a water bottle nearby at holiday parties. By having water readily available, you can easily replace alcohol with a refreshing alternative.
