Regardless of how difficult the holidays may be, focus on the fact that you are alive and sober today. The holiday season is just one small part of your journey – there is so much more ahead. Just like certain people and places can trigger a craving for drugs or alcohol, certain foods and drinks can also be triggers. If you know that eggnog makes you want to drink, then don’t have any around the house. And if you’re going to a party with alcohol, eat https://soloelectro.es/project-north-freedom-house-sober-living-3/ something beforehand, so you’re not tempted to drink on an empty stomach. The holiday season is tied to traditions around certain meals and drinks, which may trigger hard-to-handle emotions related to substance abuse, past trauma, or eating disorders.
And family and work commitments will only flourish if you take this time for yourself. This is also a great time to incorporate new practices into your routine. Start the day with a walk, journaling your feelings, marijuana addiction or dedicating time to hobbies that make you happy.
It’s a sign of strength to walk away or decline an invitation if it threatens your recovery. We offer guidance on Helping Family With Addiction to foster more supportive environments. Contact your treatment provider, therapist, or a facility like New Choices Treatment Center if you notice these patterns intensifying. Seeking help proactively demonstrates strength, not weakness. Because these challenges are predictable, you don’t have to be caught off guard. Going into the holiday season armed with only “willpower” is like walking into a storm without an umbrella.
The holidays can be a fun and exciting time of year, but also a stressful and emotional time as well. Here are 10 quick tips for maintaining your sobriety, and sanity, during the winter holidays and into the new year. Planning ahead can make all the difference in staying sober during the holidays. By setting up a proactive plan, you can approach each holiday event with confidence. The holidays often involve alcohol-centric gatherings, family dynamics, and increased sober holidays social obligations, which can be daunting.
Ioana has a Ph.D. in Communication Sciences and has been a freelance writer for over ten years. Ioana uses her passion for psychology, research, and mental health to create reliable resources on various topics relating to addiction and treatment. Let them know your commitment to sobriety and what kind of support you need from them. To increase the chances of success at sobriety, ask your friends and family to share any organizational responsibilities you may have. If you are facing financial difficulties, discuss sharing experiences instead of gifts. These symptoms might increase your desire to use alcohol or drugs in an attempt to self-medicate and alleviate the unpleasant feelings.
This will give you an opportunity to recharge and refocus on your sobriety. Having a sponsor or trusted sober friend available by phone creates an immediate safety net when cravings or difficult emotions arise. These relationships offer more than crisis intervention; they provide daily encouragement and perspective from someone who understands recovery firsthand.
You don’t have to let unfulfilled expectations, stressful family dynamics, or crazy in-laws threaten your recovery. The holiday season can amplify feelings and memories that are tough to handle, creating emotional pressure to fall back on old habits. Recognizing these triggers helps you prepare, making it easier to avoid risky situations. And on the twelfth day of the holiday season, my true love gave to me… the gift of recovery—strength, support, and the courage to enjoy a sober, joyful season! Use Affect’s app daily to check in with your goals, track your progress, and join group therapy sessions for support. The app’s tools and community can help you stay focused on your sobriety every day of the year.
If you’re traveling to visit loved ones, make it a point to avoid catching up with friends or family members you used to drink or use drugs with so you don’t feel triggered. Volunteering combats inherent holiday triggers because it improves mental health considerably and creates a supportive environment. During the holiday season, it’s important to stay in touch with the people who support your recovery.
When everyone is engaged in the festivities, it’s a merry time. What better time to think about how to stay sober during the holidays? Our holiday survival guide will help you navigate this sometimes stressful time of year.
The holidays are a time to visit family and friends, host parties, and reflect on the past year. But for someone in early recovery, this time of heartfelt reunions and joy can be challenging and stressful. It’s important to know that you’re not alone in this journey, and there are ways to help you stay sober during the holiday season.
While some people experience an uptick in social engagements around the holidays, others may feel especially isolated. You may find yourself missing loved ones you have lost or who live far away. With a few creative strategies, we can still participate in holiday fun without going broke.
The holidays can disrupt regular routines, but sticking to your recovery practices is essential. If you or someone you care about is struggling with substance abuse, don’t wait to get help – hope and healing are available at Valley Hope 24/7. To explore additional treatment options, you can view editorially selected providers on our site or visit the SAMHSA Treatment Locator.