The holidays can be challenging if you’re recovering from addiction. Here are 10 tips on how to stay sober and navigate the season:
Choose which parties to attend
The holidays are synonymous with parties and unfortunately, some of them will be flowing with alcohol and other substances. To keep sober, choose to only attend parties that aren’t focused on drugs and alcohol.
Have a plan for parties
If you do attend parties where alcohol is served, have a plan. For instance, keeping a non-alcoholic drink in your hand can ward off awkward questions. You can also bring along a trusted friend to stay sober with you or leave when the temptation to drink becomes too strong.
Keep yourself busy
Staying busy is a great way to stay sober. Over the holidays, you can choose to volunteer, help your neighbors decorate, or visit those in need. Interacting and helping out others will make you feel good and take your mind off alcohol.
Have a robust support group
Surround yourself with loved ones who support your recovery journey. You can ask them to hold you accountable and also accompany you to family therapy sessions over the holidays.
Be aware of your triggers
Being aware of your triggers can help you anticipate them and come up with a plan to deal with them. For instance, over the holidays, you can choose to avoid places and people that remind you of drinking or getting high.
Keep up with sobriety meetings
With all the shopping, holiday gatherings, and traveling, you can easily forget to attend your sobriety meetings. However, attending Alcoholics Anonymous or your outpatient care counseling sessions can help you stay on the road to recovery.
Learn to manage holiday stress
The holidays can be a stressful time. To deal with this, remember to take care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally. Keep practicing healthy habits you learned in rehab such as meditation, exercising, reading, or whatever else that keeps you grounded.
Create new family traditions
Some family traditions may involve alcohol which can be challenging if you’re in recovery. However, you can choose to create new ways to spend quality time with your family that celebrate your sobriety. Examples include a family movie or game night, going sledding or skating, throwing a decorating party, etc.
Take it one day at a time
Don’t let guilt about the past or worry about the future cloud the holidays. Instead, resolve to live in the moment, enjoying this new stage of your life bonding with your family, and creating new memories.
Ask for help
Sometimes you need a helping hand to stay sober over the holidays. If so, Evolve Indy is ready to assist you. We also offer addiction treatment programs from residential treatment to partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient care. Contact us today and let’s help you stay on the road to recovery.
