The pressure to “join the celebration” or respond to comments like “just one drink won’t hurt” can feel overwhelming. If you’re at a party or event that’s making you uncomfortable, having a plan to leave early can help you avoid temptation. Whether it’s a quick excuse or having your ride already lined up, an exit strategy is key. Remember, staying sober during the holidays isn’t just about saying no to alcohol.
- It may surprise you how fun the holidays can be once you remove some of the stressors.
- Remember, staying sober during the holidays doesn’t have to feel like a battle.
- This can be helpful in times of stress, where you may find yourself struggling to think clearly or rationally about how to cope with urges to drink alcohol or use drugs.
- It also gives you a way to occupy your hands, helping you side-step your alcohol cravings.
Friends, family, or your sponsor may have suggestions or be aware of upcoming events in your area. Lastly, celebrate your sobriety during the holidays by reflecting on your achievements, sharing your journey with others, and embracing sober traditions. Focus on the progress you have made and the positive changes in your life. Maintaining emotional balance after Christmas can be challenging due to the sudden absence of social support and the return to daily routines. By implementing these strategies, you can navigate this period more smoothly and maintain your sobriety. Look to the people you trust who will stand sober holidays by your recovery program.
Mindful eating and drinking
Between work deadlines, family pressure and parties seemingly focused on alcohol, it’s easy to feel like you’re the only one struggling. By being kind to yourself and practicing self-compassion, you can reduce stress and anxiety and maintain your sobriety during the holiday season. Embrace your progress and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small they may seem. The holiday season can also be emotionally charged, with feelings of nostalgia, sadness, and anxiety. The disruption of regular routines and schedules can further challenge your efforts to maintain sobriety. Sharing your journey during the holidays can positively impact your recovery.
Seeking Support from Your Sponsor or Fellowship Friends
These practices will enable you to observe cravings without giving in to them, recognizing that they are temporary sensations rather than commands. Consider scheduling regular check-in times with your sponsor or accountability partner throughout your trip. This will help you stay connected and accountable to your recovery goals, even when you’re away from home. The Recovery Zone System provides a practical way to assess your current emotional state and determine what level of support you need in the moment. This tool helps you identify whether you’re feeling stable (green zone), cautious (yellow zone), or at high risk (red zone).
- Ria Health offers several FDA-approved medications for alcohol use disorder.
- With the right strategies and support, you can steer the holidays successfully and find joy in new, alcohol-free traditions.
- Worries about gifts or the pressure to be cheerful can be draining.
- Reach out to peers from treatment, recovery groups in your area or where you’ll be travelling, or old friends and family members who are positive influences.
Ways to Help You Keep Loving Someone With an Addiction
Acknowledging your progress can boost your confidence and motivation to continue on your path. Attend virtual or online activities if in-person events are limited or not available. Many organizations offer virtual support groups, workshops, or classes that you can access Sober living house from home. Consider pursuing hobbies or interests that you can enjoy without alcohol or drugs, like hiking, painting, cooking, or practicing yoga. Engaging in community service during Christmas can provide a profound sense of purpose and fulfillment, effectively replacing the desire for alcohol. And if you’re attending someone else’s gathering and need a game plan on how to answer “why aren’t you drinking?
What Anxiety Really Feels Like — and How to Start Feeling Better
When you call the number listed on this ad, your call will be answered by Treatment X, a licensed addiction treatment provider and paid advertiser on AddictionResource.net. Treatment X operates facilities in Ohio and Pennsylvania. Local and state resources for substance abuse and addiction can vary according to where you live. If you’ve had a slip, or have relapsed over the holidays, be kind to yourself. Turn off the TV, turn down the lights, read a book, or drink a cup of calming noncaffeinated tea. All these things can be part of a healthy bedtime routine.
When you feel overwhelmed, pause and remind yourself of your priorities and the steps you’ve taken to maintain your sobriety. Share with your family and friends so they can help and support your recovery. A supportive family can make the difference between recovery and relapse. Family members need to get involved in their own recovery from codependency. Then, you and your loved ones can work together as a team to recover together and avoid holiday relapse. The holiday season can amplify feelings and memories that are tough to handle, creating emotional pressure to fall back on old habits.
Skipping doses or running out of medication can lead to withdrawal symptoms, destabilized moods, or increased cravings, all of which elevate the risk of relapse. This pressure can feel isolating and create moments of doubt, especially when you’re navigating your recovery in social settings. Staying sober from drugs and alcohol during the holidays, for some, is only half the battle for staying grounded and secure in recovery.
If you feel unsafe or are in crisis, call a local crisis line. Our team can also connect you to immediate help, including options in our Best Alcohol Detox Centers Guide. Before you leave, take some time to research local Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meetings at your destination.
Support Helplines And Chats For Addiction Recovery
Our helpline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a https://www.overtocht.nl/masshousing-in-2023-awarded-679-837-for-affordable/ week at no cost to you and with no obligation for you to enter into treatment. We are committed to providing support and guidance whenever you need it. Explore the 5 best centers, treatment options, and get help for lasting sobriety.
For everyone, sober or not, personal growth is a constant, ongoing, transformative experience that contributes to self-realization and continued health and wellness. Instead of thinking the worst, trust that your relatives are asking questions in a neutral manner and not simply to question, irritate, or challenge you. Take time to understand others’ points of view and avoid assuming anything about their motivations. It’s the perfect season “to have some lovely hot chocolates, take them outdoors and go ice skating,” says Kate Baily, a women’s health coach in the U.K. It may seem unfair, but those on the road to recovery must stay on guard to be successful.
During the holiday season, it’s important to stay in touch with the people who support your recovery. This could be your sponsor, therapist, or support group. Be mindful to keep your 12 step meeting schedule, church if you attend, and self-care routine including meditations or workouts. Keeping your daily routine on track will help you stay focused on recovery.