Five Practices for Staying Sober During the Holidays

These feelings can evoke anxiousness and depression if not properly supported during the holidays. That’s why making sure to have relapse prevention plans set in place and people you can reach out to for support are a hallmark of defeating the temptation this holiday season. If you do attend a party where drinks are served, prepare yourself for the event.

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Be conscious of your evolving needs for emotional and physical space, and give yourself the gift of that space as necessary. Addiction Resource aims to provide only the most current, accurate information in regards to addiction and addiction treatment, which means we only reference the most credible sources available. Local and state resources for substance abuse and addiction can vary according to where you live.

• Each holiday season, millions of Americans successfully maintain their sobriety by having a plan in place to avoid and manage triggers.
• The winter holidays can be difficult if you are new to sobriety, or if you tend to have a more difficult time with mental health during the winter months.
• According to Mental Health First Aid, people are more likely experience a recurrence of symptoms if there is an emotional upset in their life, but family and friends can try to reduce this possibility.
• If they decide to leave an event early or skip a particular gathering, support their decision without judgment.
• Let this be an opportunity to grow and make better choices next time.

Sobriety Tips to Get You Through the Holiday Season

• So, we are only “bothering” people who are open to being available in that moment.
• New Year’s Eve is another challenging aspect of the holiday season, especially if you previously made a habit of spending it drunk.
• And, bring the address of the nearest AA meeting, just in case.
• Whether it’s a movie night, game day, or a festive crafting session, focus on creating positive, substance-free experiences.
• Then you can break down those defensive walls and forgive other people, and you can approach the holiday season with a stronger sense of gratitude.

Knowing how to get through the holidays while in recovery and substance abuse treatment is important. Follow our top 8 tips for staying sober during the holidays with less stress and fewer complications. At family gatherings and social events, tote around your favorite non-alcoholic drink. People won’t feel so inclined to offer you a drink, and they won’t get the chance to pester you about your sobriety. Remember, it is always easier to stay sober than to have to get sober.

Pressure to Celebrate

And that is to hang out at the kids’ table and in the game room playing with the kids during holiday events. When I go to functions where there is drinking, I always take someone with me that knows that I’m in recovery as support. Because I’m gonna tell you, no matter how much time you have clean, you can still be triggered. When attending an event with substances, have a pre-planned way to get out if things become difficult.

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Maintaining sobriety during the holidays, and sticking to your treatment plan, is reframing holidays in early recovery possible. All this changes during the roughly five-week between Thanksgiving Day and New Year’s Eve. Attendance at family functions and office parties is usually inescapable. There, they will encounter family members and coworkers who like to drink and who do so with abandon, and these gatherings can last hours.

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In fact, that would be the hardest time to get started! When we’re triggered our ability to think clearly is compromised. Practicing new tools head of time will make it more likely that you will use them under pressure. Acknowledge and celebrate their milestones, no matter how small. Recognizing their achievements reinforces the positive aspects of their recovery journey. A feeling of pride about your sobriety is a beneficial attitude to have because it will motivate you to continue with your sobriety and not be as likely to relapse.

For sober people in recovery, successfully navigating all of these social events can feel a bit akin to running a gauntlet. Motivate them to engage in consistent healthy behaviors, like eating healthy, exercising, or engaging in self-care. Remind them that feelings of anxiety, stress, and depression are normal, especially during winter and the heightened atmosphere of the holidays. According to Mental Health First Aid, people are more likely experience a recurrence of symptoms if there is an emotional upset in their life, but family and friends can try to reduce this possibility.

Sign up to get info about the science behind addiction, the latest trends in addiction treatment, mental health awareness, inspirational recovery stories, and much more. Share your concerns and challenges with them, and let them know how they can support you​​. Fortunately, many in early recovery do well during the holidays. The experience of sharing the holidays with family or friends can strengthen their recovery and reinforce the value of the fuller, more authentic way of life they are entering.

• If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction or ongoing recovery, The Recovery Village Columbus can help in many ways.
• Make this your most important focus over the holidays and everything else will work out just fine.
• The following will provide some tips for maintaining recovery over the holidays, whether you’re in active treatment or long-term recovery.
• By recognizing the potential triggers for relapse and having a robust holiday relapse prevention plan, you can navigate the festive period with confidence.
• Listen and politely smile – not a dumb smile, a genuinely pleasant smile; sometimes smiling on the outside does wonders for your psyche.

Be mindful of what you’re drinking—and thinking

You do not have to brag or share your feelings with others if you do not want to, but an inward sense of accomplishment is very good protection against relapse. If relapse does, occur, don’t delay acting out of shame or guilt. There is still an opportunity to build on the progress you’ve made.