You’ll never regret preparing for the worst case scenario. If your family is a huge source of anxiety for you, or maybe going to your hometown brings up difficult memories of using and drinking, limit your time there. You don’t need to be at your family or friend holiday event all day long if you know your Aunt Jane is going to stress you out, or if your friend Mikey is always high and triggers you. Maybe you are worried about your own drug use, or maybe you’re worried about the drug use of someone else. Either way, most addiction recovery agencies, treatment centers, and domestic violence resources increase efforts during the holidays. Call a local treatment center like Into Action Recovery Centers or a local crisis line.
When Is It Okay to Go Back to Work After Treatment?
Identify a quiet space in their home where you can retreat for prayer, meditation, or phone meetings whenever necessary. This will give you an opportunity to recharge and refocus on your sobriety. The first step in staying sober during the holidays is to recognize the physical and emotional signals that indicate a craving is about to happen. These signs can include feeling restless, irritable, or having racing thoughts about using substances. You may also experience sudden mood swings or physical sensations like tension in your chest, sweating, or an increased heart rate.
What are some alternative sober-friendly activities I can engage in during the holidays?
In The Temper’s The Ultimate Guide to Get Through the Holidays Sober, we’re here to help you during this oh-so-confusing time of year. You don’t have to do anything for the holidays, and that is something we often forget. The world won’t end if you don’t make it to grandma’s for Christmas or bail on your best friend’s New Year’s Eve party. If you are fearful that you may drink or use once you are hurled into the holiday unknown, bow out. Your health and sanity https://webbalance.net/why-it-is-important-to-write-a-goodbye-to/ are more important than what your friends or family may be expecting of you. Decide how long you want to stay at a holiday event or family party before you get there.
- Keeping a drink in hand naturally deflects offers while allowing you to participate fully in toasts and celebrations.
- One of the most effective ways to handle holiday challenges is to plan ahead.
- Knowing what you’ll say or do can help you stay grounded.
- For more ideas on dealing with difficult situations in recovery, check out a meeting near you or online.
- Contacting your sponsor becomes especially valuable when dealing with family dynamics or unexpected triggers at gatherings.
Plan Ahead
When the champagne is passed around, she quietly declines and holds a soda instead. She practices saying, “No thanks, I’m good,” and stays close to a coworker who knows her situation. Carla enjoys sober holidays the night without compromising her sobriety. Carla has been sober for six months and is nervous about her office holiday party. She knows her boss always gives a toast, and champagne is handed out to everyone. Lean on your sponsor, recovery group, or a trusted friend.
- This is a good time to re-familiarize yourself with your favorite urge-busting tools.
- By using the right strategies and seeking support, you can enjoy the holidays while staying committed to your sobriety.
- Every late-November through December we are encouraged—sometimes even pressured, directly and indirectly—to celebrate the holidays that mark each year’s conclusion.
Personal and Educational Background
We create a safe community where you’re seen, heard, and supported. These practices will help strengthen your ability to cope with holiday stressors. Take a moment to talk it out with someone you trust, like a marijuana addiction sponsor, therapist or peer.
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