Surviving the Holidays: Tips for Staying Healthy and Sober

If you are in recovery, especially if you’re newly sober, this might be difficult to be around. Some people drink or use drugs when they’re lonely or sad. Addiction https://ecosoberhouse.com/ is also often a lonely and isolating disease.

Resources For Staying Sober During The Holidays

There are countless opportunities to serve your community during the holidays. Homeless shelters, recovery programs, community toy drives – volunteer to help others this season and stay out of your head. Participate sober holidays in charitable giving or adopt someone who could use some holiday hope and cheer. Use the opportunity to engage deeper into your AA or recovery support group. Keep a check on your sober friends and offer support.

Staying Sober During The Holidays: 12 Tips

• When a parent struggles with porn addiction or sex addiction, this can have a negative impact on children and the family as a whole.
• Let’s not forget the usual holiday stress from shopping, decorating, baking, expenses, family dynamics, etc.
• On the other hand, identifying your triggers and strategies to manage them puts that power back in your hands.
• It’s fine to simply say, “I’m not drinking tonight.” Who knows — maybe you’ll inspire someone or help them feel less alone.
• Indirect social pressure is a scenario that involves you being around others consuming alcohol, causing you to feel tempted to drink (although no one has offered you a drink).

While you’re abstaining, those loved ones who “push” these behaviors will become even more noticeable. Holidays are different now and yes, they are better. Now I see the holidays through my kids’ eyes and remind myself what Christmas was like as a child. I used to drink to enjoy family events with my kids, and now I realize they are pretty darn enjoyable when I’m not buzzed. I used to drink through the stress of the holidays, and when I stopped, the stress actually decreased.

Be mindful of what you’re drinking—and thinking

Financial strain is a common stressor during the holidays. Many of the biggest holidays in the U.S. — Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve — take place relatively close together, bringing people together often to celebrate. Maintaining sobriety during the holidays, and sticking to your treatment plan, is possible. Start planning your strategy now, with these #soberholidays tips from The Recovery Book and the workbook companion My Life in Recovery. Try some of these festive holiday activities that don’t involve alcohol. 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.

If you need treatment for addiction to alcohol or other drugs, consider going to rehab over the holidays

• Knowing which foods and food groups support your mood and give you energy is crucial to navigating the holidays, when people typically go heavy on sweets, carbs, or saturated fats.
• Let your guests know that your party is a safe and supportive space.
• Chances are, around the holidays they will also be experiencing the same stresses and pressures that you are.
• Stay connected to your sponsor and recovery community.

Ask yourself what you enjoyed when you were a kid or if there is a hobby you’ve always wanted to learn. We’re here 24/7 to help you get the care you need to live life on your terms, without drugs or alcohol. Talk to our recovery specialists today and learn about our integrated treatment programs. If you find yourself wrapped in anxiety and on edge about the approaching holiday season, you may benefit from a reality check. Talk with a sponsor, friend, or therapist who understands that you are in recovery and relay the stresses and anxieties you are feeling. Chances are, around the holidays they will also be experiencing the same stresses and pressures that you are.

Brooke

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