Here are some great tips for staying sober during the holidays. The holidays are also a challenging time because being around family members can cause stress or strife. If using drugs or alcohol was your go-to for stress reduction, then feeling stressed may make you want to relapse. Besides family stress, the financial pressures of buying gifts or traveling may also arise. Feeling the burden of stretched finances can lead to thoughts of the substance that once brought you relief.
‘Our winter fuel payment goes into the holiday kitty’
- After all, it’s named the theme park capital of the world for a reason.
- Taking time to meditate, get some exercise, practice a favorite hobby, or even just catch your breath can go a long way.
- Plan your arrival and departure, who you will spend time with – and who you will not.
- This can be an excellent way to relax and rejuvenate without worrying about the consequences of drinking.
- If you feel scared or unsafe in your own home, reach out for help.
You might bring your sober sponsor along when meeting with friends, or join and exit parties before groups head out to visit local pubs. Knowing how you’ll deal with difficult situations in advance won’t just make things easier; it will also limit your holiday stress. Staying sober while celebrating the holidays can be a real challenge. Despite all of the warm, cozy feelings that the holidays incite, this time can also create a tremendous amount of stress. At Free by the Sea, we understand that the holidays can be a challenging and triggering time for individuals in recovery. On the other hand, being prepared with strategies can greatly increase the probability that you do not relapse.
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He attended the University of Ghana Medical School where he became a Medical Doctor in 1977. From 1978 through 1984, he was a medical officer in the Ghana Navy and provided a variety of services from general medicine to surgeries. He received his Certificate in General Psychology from the American Board of Psychology and Neurology in 2002. Ethos Structured Sober Living is an all male community in recovery located in the heart of West Los Angeles.
Tips to Help You Avoid Relapse During the Holiday Season
This is often the case in parts of Asia and Africa, where people forego alcohol for religious or cultural reasons. That’s all a bulwark against the equally robust uptick in distilleries, breweries, and wineries sober travelers find in the unlikeliest places. Still, many destinations—Muslim countries in particular—have strong traditions around non-alcoholic drinks. On a recent trip to Egypt, I delighted in the frothy, not-too-sweet mint lemonade on most menus. Make sure to prioritize your physical and mental health by getting enough rest, eating well, and practicing self-compassion. Avoid taking on too many responsibilities or overcommitting yourself.
If you do accidentally pick up a drink that has alcohol in it and drink it, this is not a relapse. It is very important, however, that you first put the drink down and, second, reach out to someone in your recovery network and tell sober holidays them what happened. That person can help walk you through any emotions that come up after you have consumed alcohol, like guilt, regret, or shame. Sobriety is a lifelong journey, and the holidays are a part of that journey.
- Drinking, or using drugs, can be a pastime that’s taken for granted among friends and family.
- Use phone meetings if attending face-to-face isn’t a possibility.
- These social events can include both family gatherings or work parties, which usually involve alcohol.
- Also, having alcohol available to you makes it very accessible for you to drink.
- It’s always a good idea to spend this season with family members or sober friends who respect your recovery and are committed to helping you stay on target.
No matter how hectic things get, be sure to carve out time for self-care between social engagements. Taking time to meditate, get some exercise, practice a favorite hobby, or https://ecosoberhouse.com/ even just catch your breath can go a long way. Use “I” statements like “I feel uncomfortable when…” or “I’d prefer…” to clearly communicate needs without unnecessary drama.
- If you’ve slipped more than once, this might be a sign you need additional support, such as more frequent counseling sessions or an intensive outpatient program.
- You certainly don’t want to spend your holidays in the company of people who’ll be engaging in heavy drinking or drug use.
- Other tried and true stress busters are taking a walk in nature, journaling, or sharing your feelings with a loved one.
- In reality, however, for many people it can be a difficult time, triggering feelings of depression and anxiety as well as powerful urges to escape, use substances, and/or act out.
- Consider looking for additional support during the holidays through a recovery support group, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA).
For others, alcohol may be part of traditional family celebrations and holiday rituals. If you’re attending a holiday party or event where there will be drugs or alcohol, it’s important to have an exit strategy. This means knowing when to leave and planning how you’ll get home. It’s also a good idea to have someone you can call for support. Having an exit strategy can help you stay safe and sober during the holiday event.
I’m In Recovery
If you’re looking to avoid alcohol, Malaysia is the perfect destination for you. Alcohol is taxed heavily, and its availability isn’t as widespread compared to other countries. Plus, the moderate consumption of alcohol means that people are generally more relaxed and easygoing.
During the holidays, AA and NA have many gatherings that serve as safe and smart alternatives to alcohol-infused parties. In that time, Julie’s brother-in-law, who always arrives under the influence of drugs, drinks too much and starts arguments. If you’re in recovery, the holidays can pose serious challenges to your sobriety and sanity. For many, family interaction plays a big part in this holiday pressure. While we all aspire to have a harmonious table with all our loved ones, no one enjoys a perfect family holiday—not even Norman Rockwell himself. Whether it’s frying up latkes for Hanukkah, or crafting Christmas ornaments around the fireplace, there are many holiday traditions that don’t require a buzz.
For many people in recovery, the holidays can be a reminder of past drug or alcohol use. If certain holiday traditions trigger you, it’s okay to change them. For example, if you normally drink eggnog at Christmas, try making a non-alcoholic version this year. Or, if you typically spend the holidays with family members who are still using, consider spending time with sober friends instead. The holiday season is a time of joy, peace, and celebration. It’s a time when we come together with our friends and family to enjoy good food, tell wonderful stories, and make merry.