It gives you something to hold, reduces the number of times people offer you alcohol, and helps you blend in naturally with other guests. You might also want to explore some mocktail ideas for a sober holiday gathering, which can make your experience even more enjoyable. Whatever your relationship with alcohol, or your goals, if you feel you’d like some support to drink less this holiday season Ria Health can help. Staying connected with those who understand what you’re going through is a good way to feel understood, especially this time of year.
Seek support if you are stressed
For example, you may want to spend more time with your family or focus on sobriety. Whatever your goals are, make sure they are realistic and achievable. Regardless of the level of sobriety you’re aiming for, the important thing is that you’re making a conscious choice to be mindful of your substance use. Whether you’re abstaining completely or just trying to be more mindful of your drinking, sobriety is a personal journey that looks different for Substance abuse everyone. Did you know that helping other people can strengthen your long-term sobriety? The holidays are a perfect time to be of service to others, and you’ll benefit while you give back.
How Treatment Centers Provide a Holiday Haven
Whether it’s frying up latkes for Hanukkah, or crafting Christmas ornaments around the fireplace, there are many holiday traditions that don’t require a buzz. Consider playing board games, watching holiday movies, or taking a stroll to gaze at the beautiful lights. If you’ve been sober a long time, you may already have a go-to answer when confronted about why you don’t drink alcohol. Still, it never hurts to jot down a few more polite responses in your playbook. The bottom line is that a sober holiday is much more achievable when the added stress is brought down to a minimum.
If you or someone you care about is struggling with substance abuse, don’t wait to get help – hope and healing are available at Valley Hope 24/7. Whether it’s no alcohol around you, needing to leave an event early, or avoiding specific topics of conversation, be specific and clear. If you don’t have a place where you can throw a formal party, take one person to a diner and spring for the coffee. 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.
Attend sober-friendly events
It’s common for people who are in addiction recovery to feel heightened anxiety regarding their sobriety around the holidays. Holidays often bring together family members from near and far, and with them, complicated family dynamics. Old conflicts, expectations, or emotional memories can surface unexpectedly.
Even you might think that you’ve gotten the strength to battle your triggers. For many, maintaining sobriety during the holidays might make celebrating a dreaded experience. Xavier Aguayo, Clinical Therapist at Loma Linda University Behavioral Health, explains that for many people, sobriety means stepping into a completely new way of living. Find personalized treatment, verify insurance & start your recovery journey today. If you or someone you care about is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, we can help you explore your recovery options. Skipping a family event to protect your sobriety is a sign of strength and self-awareness, not weakness or disrespect.
How to Stay Sober During the Holidays
Holiday dread is a common experience for those in recovery—and anyone struggling with mental health challenges. From old memories, family dynamics and the pressure to be constantly cheerful, it’s normal for holiday expectations to feel like an all-too-heavy weight. At Futures Recovery Healthcare our entire program is based on offering multiple pathways for recovery.
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The holiday season doesn’t mean taking a break from your recovery support system. Ongoing support in recovery becomes https://nishimuragundan.com/20-top-halfway-houses-in-massachusetts-866-979/ even more vital when facing seasonal stressors and triggers. Your treatment providers, sponsors, and peer groups remain your lifeline during challenging moments. The people you choose to spend time with during holiday gatherings can make the difference between feeling empowered in your recovery and feeling vulnerable to relapse. A strong sober support network acts as your safety net when moments become difficult.
Behavioral Addictions And The Holidays
- It also means being careful about taking care of yourself physically and emotionally.
- Instead of “powering through” triggering situations, give yourself permission to decline invitations or leave events early if needed.
- Winter holidays like Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and New Year’s Eve may involve stress, which for people in recovery, can be a trigger.
Many local recovery clubs have meeting marathons during the holidays. Use phone meetings if attending face-to-face isn’t a possibility. Visit Al-Anon’s holiday link for details on the Al-Anon phone bridge. Luckily, Into Action has options for dealing with your sober holidays family holiday without sacrificing your sobriety or sanity. Rather than what you can’t do, focus on what you want to achieve over the holidays.
People may feel a bit disappointed but your true friends will respect and even applaud your sobriety efforts. It is easy to let the holiday demands and activities disrupt our daily patterns and routines. This can take a toll on our physical and emotional well-being. Longbranch Recovery and Wellness provides affordable, top-quality drug and alcohol rehab programs at our facilities in Louisiana and Arkansas. Building new traditions can create joyful, substance-free memories that reinforce your recovery.
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If everyone starts talking about the “good old days,” leave the room. You don’t want to start thinking about your drinking or using days. That can lead to preoccupation and obsession, and then to cravings. Keep your focus on your life right now, your life in recovery.
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