Recovery During the Holidays – We’re here for you.
The holidays are a challenging time, recovery or not – this season can be full of stress, expectations and emotions. No matter what, going into the holiday season with a plan to help you maintain recovery, and the support you need can help make this time of the year a little less stressful.
We’ve outlined a few strategies below that we’ve used to help maintain recovery and prevent relapse during the holiday season while still having fun and enjoying time with family and friends.
Manage expectations
Sober holidays will be different. Talking openly and honestly about your expectations of the holidays to a sober support or sponsor and learning from their experiences might be helpful when navigating your first holiday season without substances. You may even find that the holidays will be better in some ways.
Plan ahead
Having a plan is a helpful way to ensure you are prepared for any situation or experience you may have when traveling or visiting friends and family this holiday season. A little bit of research goes a long way to find out what meetings may be happening in your area and at what times. For a list of AA/ NA/ HA, SMART, Refuge and Celebrate Recovery meetings, check out the links below.
Talking with others about your plans and knowing when they might be available to talk, should you need them during the holidays can also be helpful.
Reach out to sober support
Sponsors and other sober supports can be great sources of accountability. There may be parties or gatherings that you’d like to attend but that also might be a cause of triggers. Calling your support network before and after these gatherings will keep you accountable and allow you to process your thoughts and feelings around the event, providing that extra layer of support.
If it makes you uncomfortable, you don’t have to participate
You don’t need to announce your sobriety if you don’t want to. You also don’t have to explain why you are not participating in drinking. Sometimes, it helps to have a pre-planned response. “I’m not drinking tonight,” “Sure, I would love a drink! Could I have a water with lemon or Coca-Cola?”
It’s also okay to say no to attending in the first place.
You are never alone
Aside from the countless resources and meetings available, remembering that you are truly never alone in your choice to maintain your recovery is a comforting thought.
If you are able, taking a close friend or sponsor with you to holiday gatherings, discussing your concerns ahead of time, and keeping each other accountable is helpful. Bringing this person along can help you feel stronger and more supported, and you deserve that.
New Day Recovery’s Admissions Team is also available around and on holidays – Just give us a call to get started with a confidential assessment and to schedule treatment for yourself or a loved one. 330-953-3300