Addiction Treatment 12 Tips for Staying Sober Through the Holidays

If we are one of the few ones, even worse, the only one, who is sober during the holidays, it sure can make us feel left out. Even worse, you may feel different, weak, or inadequate for having a problem with drinking, to begin with. The holidays don’t give us a green light to overindulge. There’s nothing worse that stuffing ourselves with too much sugar, carbs, and fat-laden foods that make us feel bad. So be proactive and choose healthy foods that will make you want to celebrate, not feel guilty. If you are newly clean and sober, we want to extend you some hope.

Come up with a time in your head when you want to say your goodbyes. If something comes up that makes https://ecosoberhouse.com/ you uncomfortable or proves to be too much of a temptation, that’s also a cue to head for the door.

Available 24 hours,7 days a week

As someone in recovery, it’s important to prepare for the holidays in a way that makes you less susceptible to the temptations you may face. Here’s what anyone suffering from addiction should know about staying sober during the holidays.

• This can lead to feelings of shame, guilt, humiliation, embarrassment, anger and depression.
• For example, if you’re attending an office party, you can get there on time and stay for an hour.
• Even though this season tends to be joyous, it can also be a time of stress and overindulgence.
• While they may not fully understand, it’s important to let them know that this year, your number one goal is to stay sober through the holidays.
• Celebrate the holiday season and the fullness of your sober life by taking time for yourself.

Don’t know where to start finding a support group you’d like? We can help find the best meeting around you — even if it’s not AA or NA. Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the winter holiday season, bringing with it family gatherings, traditional foods, and indulgence.

Be Intentional on Invitations You’ll Accept

How one creates their support system, who is involved, and when to call it quits with someone within the inner circle are all things to consider. Regardless, the benefits of an addiction recovery support system during the holidays are numerous, especially with holiday parties, stress and pressure, and family time in action.

Sober Holidays Tip #18 It’s okay to tell people you are now in recovery. Sober Holidays Tip #17 Remember that being in recovery doesn’t mean instant heaven or a perfect life.

Find a Sober Support Group

Routines go out the window over the holidays, but it’s essential to try to make sure you’re sticking to the basics of caring for yourself. Hunger or fatigue can cause frustration that can chip away at your defenses, so be sure to eat healthy foods regularly and prioritize good sleep. Bring along energy bars if you’re out and about so you can stay fueled even if you’re stuck in traffic or out finishing up last-minute shopping. If you exercise or meditate, keep those practices going, even if they can’t happen at the times they usually would. Try to keep attending meetings even if you need to find new groups that work with your holiday schedule.

• Sober Holidays Tip #17 Remember that being in recovery doesn’t mean instant heaven or a perfect life.
• Before you even put up the Christmas tree or string the lights, try to let go.
• The holidays offer powerful opportunities for spiritual growth by sharing your gratitude and joy with others.
• We can get overwhelmed with the erratic nature of the season, so as you plan each day in November and December, start with 12-step support as your first priority.
• Make a special family recipe and deliver to friends.

It’s okay to make up an excuse ahead of time as to why you have to leave. It’s vital to put your sobriety first, especially in these vulnerable situations. If you are at a family event, plan the same and stick to it. And while staying sober through the holiday season may seem daunting and downright impossible—it’s not.

RecoveryAnswers.org in 30 Seconds | Addiction Treatment & Recovery

Start the season off right by making a commitment to your sobriety. When you allow your sobriety to guide your choices, you’ll end up making smarter decisions.

Besides surrounding yourself with family and friends, it is important to keep attending regular sobriety meetings. Even if you are away from home for the holidays, it is possible to find and attend a local meeting in the area. Support groups contain people who are going through the same challenges. You can work together and help each other sober holidays get through the holidays without relapsing. There are always a number of holiday parties you can attend during the holiday season, most of which will offer substances that you have worked hard at removing from your life. Even though you have started recovery from addiction, you do not have to decline all of the offers that you are given.

The important thing is that you contemplate and have curiosity about what you have already observed about yourself. 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. She’s seen as the reason he drinks and gets in trouble. That’s what a recovery friend called Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. If you become a ball of wretched energy during the holidays, perhaps your own expectations have become your downfall. In recovery, the best lessons are found in the experience, strength and hope of others’ recoveries.