I think that it is vital that this be an individual who has had a sustained period of recovery of a minimum of at least two years of continuous sobriety. If you take someone who is new to recovery themselves, then this could prove reframing holidays in early recovery to be dangerous for both yourself and your friend. Thinking about how you will handle the tempting situations you will encounter over the holidays will help you make a plan that will allow you to navigate them successfully.
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The holidays may come with expectations, such as shopping, travel, cooking, and multiple social gatherings. People in early recovery are often experiencing difficult personal or financial circumstances while at the same time trying to learn to live without the substance that had become central to their lives. While the holidays are a time to celebrate family and good cheer, they are also a time when other feelings can be heightened. Such feelings can include a sense of loss about a deceased family member, or feelings of hurt, resentment, anger, shame, or guilt about the past on the part of the recovering person, other family members, or both. A substance abuse relapse prevention plan works as homework for your recovery. You can list some techniques and practices to express those cravings into something positive.
Take the First Step Towards a Healthier Life
I was always worried that someone would offer me a drink and that one drink would cause me to go back to wanting to use on a regular basis. When it comes to addiction treatment, GateHouse Treatment is your best bet. We provide personalized and comprehensive care to individuals who are grappling with substance abuse. We offer partial hospitalization, intensive and outpatient programs, and medication-assisted treatment. The holidays may bring different challenges, depending on where you are in your addiction recovery journey.
- The information on this page is not intended to replace assistance, diagnosis, or treatment from a clinical or medical professional.
- This could be someone who is in your support system of friends or even your sponsor.
- With the holidays approaching, this can be an inviting opportunity to reconnect with loved ones over the past year.
- Holidays and social events can inspire a person to use during this stage.
- Take some time this holiday season to print out our holiday and recovery worksheet to help you create your plan to stay on your recovery path this season.
Tips to Enjoy a Sober Holiday Season
This stage can be dangerous because you might assume your tolerance is at the same level it used to be. One drink or hit can send you reeling considering the detox period you experienced. You must understand that these feelings are normal but don’t have to control you.
- Originally, I assumed I would go home because hey, I was sober!
- Our mission is to help people respond effectively to substance use and related problems.
- Sarah Allen Benton, M.S., LMHC., LPC, is a licensed mental health counselor and author of Understanding the High-Functioning Alcoholic.
- A relapse prevention plan can be defined as a set of guidelines for you to maintain recovery based on your specific history.
- Readers are urged to seek professional help if they are struggling with a mental health condition or another health concern.
- Having an individual who is sober and willing to hold you accountable is vital for your recovery efforts.
Traveling may also be more pressured for some and may also be avoided by others. Finally, we are living in a heated political atmosphere and family events may elicit unwanted conversations and conflict about these topics. Addiction during the holiday season can be particularly challenging, but it’s important to remember that recovery is possible. Despite all the pain and aggravation that alcohol and drugs may have caused the recovering individual, giving them up can result in a powerful sense of loss.
Remember not to take temporary for permanent
I promise you are not the only one feeling down or unhappy around the holidays. Together, you can come up with a plan for what you’re going to do to make the holiday season a little bit better. Follow that plan and remember that the best gift you can give yourself this holiday season is another day sober. Part of maintaining an active and engaged sober lifestyle involves change. Assuming holidays or certain family traditions have to be the way they have always been, can derail success. It’s okay to do something different, to change locations, to change who you celebrate with or the amount of time you spend at a specific event.
- In order to avoid misunderstanding, talk these things out with them in advance.
- Sober living homes are great for those transitioning from an inpatient residential program for substance abuse.
- Some people in long-term recovery drink so-called “non-alcoholic” beer and wine.
- The experience of sharing the holidays with family or friends can strengthen their recovery and reinforce the value of the fuller, more authentic way of life they are entering.
- SMART volunteers have put their heads together to offer some suggestions to help you navigate this month’s challenges.
Watching Out for Holiday Triggers in Recovery
Whether it’s a team sport or painting in your room, hobbies eliminate the time for you to crave substances. Boredom and stress are powerful factors that could push you to use them. Meditation and journaling can help you keep track of your progress as you reflect. A relapse prevention plan could be the tool you need to hammer away from the temptations that come your way. A relapse prevention plan can be defined as a set of guidelines for you to maintain recovery based on your specific history.
- We offer a teletherapy service that allows you to receive treatment for substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions from the comfort of your home.
- Find the right provider for you, based on your specific needs and preferences, all online.
- One of the best ways to flip your perspective on its head is to be of service.
We’re in network with most major insurances – accepting 585+ insurance plans, covering 190 million people nationwide. You can find Family & Friends meetings both in-person and online. Know your signs of potential relapse and take steps to address them. Remind yourself of the amount of growth you’ve made and how you’re capable of much more.
