10 Tips for a Merry, Sober, and Safe Holiday Season

Our sleep habits are foundational to most of our other habits. This means I may not have time to do my usual morning time ofconnecting with myself or my Higher Power or do my daily recovery readings. It’s possible that missing this time will mean I start my day off on the wrong foot, or that I’m a little more irritable than usual. This makes me more vulnerable to lashing out or treating myself or others in ways I don’t want. Of course, all of this makes me more vulnerable to returning to my old using/medicating behaviors. If you’re going to a restaurant, don’t be afraid to take up space and ask the server what nonalcoholic beverages they can make.

• Find support through friends, family, and advocates of your sobriety.
• I was at the tail end of my final attempt to control my alcohol use and it wasn’t going well.
• It’s a great way to relieve tension and work out frustrations, as well as a great way to make room for all that food you’re going to be eating.
• Celebrating the holiday season should be about enjoying the break.
• Remember, you have every right to decline these invitations or just stay for a short while.

Stick to Your Routine

• In the United States, the Fourth of July is often a day of celebration, with fireworks, barbecues, and getting together with friends or family.
• Nonalcoholic beverages can be triggering for some, so your mileage may vary, but for me they were incredibly helpful.
• Our therapy programs help patients to understand and cope with past mistakes with the eventual goal of leading a happy, fulfilling life that is substance free.

The holidays can make it tough to stay sober, especially with all the parties and get-togethers where there’s usually alcohol around. It can also be stressful and carry a lot of social pressure. If you’re struggling to get through the holidays while staying sober, you’re not alone. Fortunately, there are various ways to handle stressful situations and communicate openly with your loved ones. 12-step programs create an environment that promotes emotional safety, where people have the experience of feeling understood and accepted. Every late-November through December we are encouraged—sometimes even pressured, directly and indirectly—to celebrate the holidays that mark each year’s conclusion.

• Moments when friends ask why you’re not indulging in the spiked eggnog, or insist that you participate in a champagne-fueled toast on New Year’s Eve.
• While we are unable to respond to your feedback directly, we’ll use this information to improve our online help.
• Ensure that your guests have safe transportation options to and from the party, especially if it’s held at night.

Support For Staying Sober During The Holidays

Following a few best practices can help you manage your sobriety successfully during the holidays and start the New Year even stronger in your recovery. Many people compare their lives and families to others and to the depictions that they see in the media of the “perfect family”. For those sober holidays who are single, divorced, or having family problems, the holiday season holds a magnifying glass up to these situations, leading many to reflect negatively on their life.

Create a supportive environment

And when you take initiative over the planning, it’s easier to ensure the evening is both fun and alcohol-free. If you know other people in recovery, they may be particularly grateful that you organized something. If you are committed to sober holidays one of the best ways to minimize stress in the moment is to practice your response ahead of time. While you don’t owe anyone an explanation for your healthy choices, filling your glass with a nonalcoholic beverage is one way to avoid drink offers.

How to Get Help After Relapse

When you’re newly recovering from an addiction, though, this time of year can be dangerous – deadly for some of us. The extra stress, painful memories, and increased triggers create a combination ripe for relapse and for so many addicts, relapse means big consequences. No matter what holiday you celebrate, this time of the year can be very stressful if you are recovering from drug or alcohol addiction. From https://ecosoberhouse.com/ visiting family, to packed airports, to pricey expenditures and more, the end of the year brings unneeded stress that can potentially trigger a relapse.

Find Addiction Treatment During The Holidays

You don’t have to let unfulfilled expectations, stressful family dynamics, or crazy in-laws threaten your recovery. Each holiday season, millions of Americans successfully maintain their sobriety by having a plan in place to avoid and manage triggers. Be mindful to keep your 12 step meeting schedule, church if you attend, and self-care routine including meditations or workouts.

Get Treatment

Choosing recovery close to home means your support system is just a few miles away. Please add your thoughts in the comments below or on one of our social media pages. Or send your tips to us at (we’re happy to credit you or post them anonymously). The tips that AAC’s staff shared are from across several of our facilities, including Oxford Treatment Center, River Oaks, Greenhouse Treatment Center, and Desert Hope Treatment Center. To minimize the risk or to avoid relapse altogether, preparation is key. Serve a delicious spread of food, including festive appetizers, snacks, and desserts.