Staying Sober Through the Holidays

If something comes up that makes you uncomfortable or proves to be too much of a temptation, that’s also a cue to head for the door. Leave knowing you were able to enjoy yourself and celebrate the holidays with friends – all while staying sober. Exercise is also a great way to keep your body and mind healthy, and ready to combat stressful situations. Try ice skating, skiing or snow tubing as a way to help you stay sober during the holidays.

First, find a non-alcoholic drink you enjoy that you can sip on throughout the night. It will help you avoid the repeated question from other partygoers about what you might like to drink. If you are feeling emotionally vulnerable, it is perfectly reasonable to decline attending events or spending time with certain individuals. Protecting yourself and your sobriety is your priority, sober holidays not saying yes just to please someone else. While many things seem to have an extra touch of magic around the holidays, those in recovery may also find that this is a time when temptations and triggers multiply. If you’ve been working hard to protect your sobriety and reach your recovery goals, this time can be challenging. The holidays can be exhausting, expensive and stressful.

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The holiday season is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy time together with family and friends. Unfortunately, they do also come with their fair share of stress, presenting a significant challenge for people in recovery.

When you think of the holiday, you feel anything but relaxed. The idea sends you into a panic or makes you weary. Her mother-in-law makes hateful comments in Julie’s direction regarding everything from her parenting to her weight. Julie is often criticized for her husband’s mistakes within his family.

Taking Care of Your Emotional Health

By Halloween I knew I was committed to sobriety. Look to the people you trust who will stand by your recovery program. If you know the holiday is going to be difficult, attend a meeting the night before. Schedule a call with your sponsor on the morning of the holiday. Take a breather from the party and make an outreach call during the event.

Family members themselves will yell, scream, withdraw, cajole, rant, criticize, understand, n … This little brag sheet is a great way to remind yourself that good things are happening all around you. The bad things that creep up in between can be handled.

Plan your Answer to Inquiring Minds

This may seem obvious, but how often do we default to the bar or the happy hour? Be proactive in making plans for your friends and family that don’t involve drinking. Think outside the box — maybe it’s an art class or ice skating. Ask yourself what you enjoyed when you were a kid or if there is a hobby you’ve always wanted to learn. Holidays are different now and yes, they are better.

Because the United States is struggling with a global pandemic, it becomes even more difficult for those dealing with active and recovering addiction. All too often, addicts are recycled through drug rehab treatment facilities across the country, where they are given the basics of recovery, but little else. Sent back out into the world, they lack the foundation in sobriety necessary to sustain long … One more day of living a sober life is one step https://ecosoberhouse.com/ closer to becoming stronger in your commitment to taking better care of yourself. Be proud of your accomplishments and acknowledge the efforts you put forth each day. If the party seems to be focusing on conversation alone, you could try suggesting a group activity, such as board games. Distractions, especially in group settings where alcohol is easily available, can be an easy way to get your mind off of any temptations that are lingering nearby.

Why “Am I an Alcoholic?” Is the Wrong Question

Since 1978, Chapman House has been Orange County’s most-trusted addiction recovery resource. There are lots of things you can do to maintain your sobriety during the holidays.