How To Maintain Sobriety During The Holidays

Based on your responses, you may want to speak with a health care provider to ask about your symptoms and treatment options. At Clear Recovery Center, our expert clinical team is here to help you achieve lasting, sustainable mental health wellbeing and addiction recovery. The holidays are quickly approaching, but there is no reason to be nervous or fearful. Treat the holiday season like you do any other day, stay active in your recovery and keep your sobriety toolbox close. We know that the holiday season is full of events and gatherings.

You need to investigate and challenge the internal monologue about what you are owed and what you are lacking—some of which might be a carryover from addiction. Then you can break down those defensive walls and forgive other people, and you can approach the holiday season with a stronger sense of gratitude.

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This offers some convenience because people can attend meetings from their home, while others prefer being in person because they feel more connected. It is important to check whether the meeting you want to attend is online or in-person before attending. Family time is always a great time to reminisce about the good old memories you have shared. But besides that, it can be a window to old wounds and hurt feelings. Whenever you get into potentially stressful situations, refrain from letting your impulses take over.

How To Maintain Sobriety During The Holidays

Navigating the family dynamics of who likes who, who is mad at who, etc. can be a headache and emotionally draining. For a person in recovery, this can be amplified, as your past behaviors when you were using could have caused strife within the family . Some rehab centers even offer job placement programs that specialize in finding employment for recovered drug addicts with program completion documentation. It’s also possible to go back to school while you’re in recovery to start a career. Despite popular belief, completing rehab is not the end of a person’s addiction recovery journey.

For Many Of Us, Family Time Is Like Alcohol Consumption: It’s Best In Careful Moderation Or Complete Abstinence

Some clients have told me that they feel awkward and more anxious when their family does not drink because they feel like the spotlight is on them. On the other hand, different clients have said that they prefer to not be around any alcohol during holiday How To Maintain Sobriety During The Holidays gatherings because it is too triggering for them. Reflect on what you are most comfortable with and communicate that to your family or friends. Make peace with the fact that holidays can be different, and they don’t have to involve alcohol or drugs.

  • This will better prepare the patient for a time when they may no longer require medication.
  • But you have the right to take charge of the holiday craziness and turn it around.
  • Make a conscious choice to put yourself in a position to enjoy the holidays while maintaining your sobriety.
  • If you know certain family members or friends who are triggers for you will be attending the same celebrations you’re invited to, it is best to avoid them altogether.
  • Check out our new webinar series that unites recovery speakers from across the country in order to share a collective set of strategies and expertise.

As you look for ways to stay sober and be the best version of yourself, it can also be an opportunity to be of service to others. You can volunteer at a homeless shelter, make a family recipe to deliver to friends or spend time with a confined neighbor. All of these activities can make you channel your joy and happiness to others. If you don’t think the activity is going to be good for your recovery, it’s okay not to go. You can politely decline the party invite, but make a lunch date with the host for another day. The holidays can be a fun and exciting time of year, but also a stressful and emotional time as well.

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Also, do not forget to keep watch of the food you take at social gatherings. Most desserts contain alcohols that often do not cook-off well. The holidays can remind you of drinking escapades, family problems, past trauma, and other triggers that can cause a relapse. In Northern Illinois Recovery, we can help you to maintain sobriety during the holidays. You do not need to go to every holiday party you get invited to. Also, if you don’t feel like the activity or event is one that will bring joy to your soul, but rather feels like an obligation, then say no. No is a complete sentence, without having to provide an explanation.

  • Seeking treatment during the holiday season may be the best gift you give yourself and those who care about you.
  • But, those who learn how holiday depression and anxiety relate to recovery have a higher chance of maintaining sobriety throughout the holidays and into the new year.
  • This practice enhances your spiritual connection and your own spiritual condition.
  • It may be helpful for you to remember that even though the holiday season can feel different, it’s just another part of a regular year.
  • We get up, we brush our teeth, we eat breakfast, we engage in our recovery routine, and we go to sleep at night.
  • Addiction is a disorder that is damaging and requires treatment.

If you come prepared to protect your sobriety, you should be able to outmaneuver addiction and avoid any potential relapses. If you’re traveling, plan to attend a meeting wherever you will be and plan in advance. Try to find a local meeting long before you arrive and build it into your holiday schedule. Verywell Mind articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and mental healthcare professionals. Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research.

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If there is a gift exchange among friends and all they do is drink and/or gift alcohol, don’t participate! In sobriety, we have choices, and it’s your choice to not participate in anything that might make you feel uncomfortable. This includes being around family members or friends who might trigger you in any way or encourage you to drink. Remember, the holidays aren’t a good reason to put yourself in any dangerous or uncomfortable position. In addition, people in recovery from drug or alcohol addiction have to worry about their relapse triggers or the things around them, which could prompt them to return to substance abuse. Although the holidays are supposed to bring feelings of joy and togetherness, they are often challenging for people working toward sobriety.

How To Maintain Sobriety During The Holidays

By next year, you will likely have found some strategies that can help you feel more relaxed in these types of situations. For now, just remember that you have committed yourself to recovery. You aren’t ruining the holidays by focusing on your health and those who care about you will understand why you’re unable to attend. We all have them… family members or friends who are inappropriate, insensitive, or simply unaware of the negative impact they may have on us. It’s so important to be realistic and honest with yourself about what you can and cannot manage during this time and govern yourself accordingly.

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If you do accidentally take a sip of an alcoholic beverage, don’t panic. It’s only a sip, and it doesn’t mean you’ve relapsed—or that you should entertain the thought of relapsing now. Family members expect holiday perfection, and they often demand every ounce of your time and energy—and patience. The family menu is a constant carb-load, and traveling puts a strain on your wallet. Packed airports, tight schedules, liquid lunch for Aunt Sally. Everyone is running on empty, and the annual fight is just waiting to happen.

You may already know which relatives will become part of your support network and which ones you want to avoid. Keep your circle limited to those who understand your journey and who will offer the most care and grace during this time in your life. There is also no https://accountingcoaching.online/ rule saying that you have to attend every party you’re invited to. Your health and stability are far more valuable than one night of holiday celebration. Buprenorphine is an opioid medication used to treat opioid addiction in the privacy of a physician’s office.

All In The Family

It’s also important to note that the physical dependence pre-existed the buprenorphine treatment and was not caused by it. Part of planning for the holidays can also include starting new traditions. Spend Christmas with people from your recovery group or take a vacation with a trusted sober friend or partner. Tips to manage holiday stress in recoveryStay connected with your recovery support system. And just like ships and planes mysteriously vanish in the Atlantic Ocean, the holiday season is often when addicts and alcoholics disappear from AA and NA meetings. Consider starting new family holiday traditions that support health for all your family members. Maybe thatoneday didn’t play out like the pinterest-inspired masterpiece you envisioned, or you didn’t get the family photo in matching pajamas that you wanted for the holiday card.

Ask around to find out what the people in your sober living home are planning to do. You might be able to take part in some fun activities that don’t involve drugs or alcohol.

Have A Plan For Parties And Events

Attend AL-ANON meetings and talk to people in your support network who may have gone through this before. At Momentum Recovery, we understand that completing an addiction treatment program is the first step towards a meaningful life free of addiction. We also understand that most individuals need additional recovery support, so our team is here to help you maintain forward progress. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, contact us today.

You also might have a sober sponsor who’s willing to accompany you to a potentially stressful family event. It’s a time to hang out with family and friends, cook, eat, and give to the less fortunate.

Coping During & After The Holidays

Suboxone is only an aid in recovery; it is not THE treatment plan. It’s best if the patient has a comprehensive treatment plan with their medical team while utilizing Suboxone.

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