How to Stay Sober During the Holidays Mental & Emotional Alcoholics Anonymous Cleveland

Your abstinence did not, in fact, teach you how to control your drinking, because abstinence didn’t rewire your brain to be non-addicted. Instead, talk it out with your sponsor or sober friends. A mistake is not a relapse, and it’s not going to land you in rehab, but those secrets might. Finding support after a relapse, or during times of struggle during the holidays, can be crucial. Support groups may be offered virtually or in-person. The communal aspect of addiction support groups can offer comfort during the holidays, especially after a relapse, where you may not be feeling your best.

  • The communal aspect of addiction support groups can offer comfort during the holidays, especially after a relapse, where you may not be feeling your best.
  • Find a flavor you love so you’ll enjoy drinking it.
  • It is a time where we are sold the message of happiness and togetherness, making any existing loneliness feel more desolate or separations feel more tragic.
  • 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.
  • Maybe your babysitter needs to get home, you have to wake up at the crack of dawn for an appointment, or nobody made it home to walk the dogs.

Be proud of your accomplishments and acknowledge the efforts you put forth each day. It’s important to remind ourselves that accomplishing any step in the process is positive. Even if it’s getting through https://ecosoberhouse.com/ one more day, learn to appreciate it. Mark the days off on the calendar or make lists of the good things you accomplished. The nice thing is that you can make the holidays whatever you want them to be.

Ideas to Help You Stay Sober During The Holidays

The holiday season is in full swing, and as fun as this festive time of year can be, the holidays can also create challenges for many people — especially those inrecovery. Many local recovery clubs have meeting marathons during the holidays.

  • The spiritual aspects of forgiveness and letting go can be especially healing during the holiday season.
  • Luckily, Into Action has options for dealing with your family holiday without sacrificing your sobriety or sanity.
  • When things get tough, your plan can include action items such as calling another sober friend, going to a meeting, exercising ormeditating.
  • Of all triggers, the most significant can be emotional triggers.
  • While most often a merry time, many people still experience stress during the holidays.
  • Art of the cultural resistance to giving up alcohol on holiday comes from how we learn to drink.

However, there are some things you can do to prepare yourself to face these challenges and cope with the struggles that arise. If you begin to feel uncomfortable during an event or holiday party, it is okay to find a way out. Know what your triggers are and know where the exit is. Plan at what point you will leave if things get tough. Your friends who abuse substances may have to celebrate without you this year. It is not worth the stress and confusion that could lead to relapse.

Family Stress

Recovery and sobriety are losing the stigma they once carried. By being open about it, you will likely gain more encouragement and support than you would ever imagine from friends and family.

Study Shows How Patients Manage Holiday Depression – Psychiatric Times

Study Shows How Patients Manage Holiday Depression.

Posted: Tue, 21 Dec 2021 08:00:00 GMT [source]

But this isn’t the only way to party, or have a good, spooky time. Large gatherings, especially when alcohol is involved, can be tricky for people who are in early sobriety, as well as those who are under a lot of stress. Maintaining sobriety during the holidays, and sticking to your treatment plan, is possible.

What Are Signs Of Addiction Relapse?

Thankfully, there are a few fun tips for ways to stay sober during this time of year. The most precious gift you can give yourself is a life of sobriety. There are times, however, when your recovery sober holidays from drug or alcohol addiction may be more difficult to sustain, and staying sober requires extra vigilance. To avoid holiday temptations, start each waking day with a plan to keep sober.

ways to stay sober during the holidays