How to Stay Sober During the Holiday Season RCA

Many relapse triggers during the holidays are emotional triggers. Sadly, these often come in the form of family members who are prone to criticizing or making comments that cause shame or embarrassment. Keep in mind that you aren’t obligated to spend time with anyone this holiday season who serves as a direct risk to your recovery. Your primary obligation is to yourself and to keep your recovery on target.

Tips for Staying Sober through the Holidays

Navigating the family dynamics of who likes who, who is mad at who, etc. can be a headache and emotionally draining. A relapse prevention plan is generally made with the help of a therapist or sponsor, but it can also be created independently. It should include a list of your triggers and cravings, strategies for you to manage cravings, preventative tools, recovery programs, and what you’ll do if you relapse. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a break from the holiday festivities and spend some time alone. Meditation, journaling, and spending time in nature can also help you reduce stress and find peace during this chaotic time of year.

What Are Signs Of Addiction Relapse?

If you’re living with active addiction, do not discount the extra stress the holidays bring. For the addicted person and their family, more stress means more vulnerability. sober holidays After all, the holidays can kick off a perfect storm of family and money stress. If you feel scared or unsafe in your own home, reach out for help.

If you need treatment for addiction to alcohol or other drugs, consider going to rehab over the holidays

With proper planning and support, you can have a peaceful and joyous celebration while staying true to your recovery goals. If you’ve checked in on your feelings and found that you need help, don’t hesitate to reach out for it. “Help” may come in the form of a sponsor, a loved one, or a friend.

Mental Health Services

This plan should include strategies for handling triggers, coping with stress, and seeking support when needed. It’s also essential to regularly review and update your plan as needed. Furthermore, it’s important to remember that staying sober doesn’t mean missing out on all the holiday fun. Staying sober during the holidays also allows for a more meaningful and authentic experience. Instead of relying on substances to numb difficult emotions, you can fully engage with your surroundings and loved ones. This is an opportunity to create new traditions, participate in sober activities, and make memories that are rooted in sobriety.

• It’s okay to take time to yourself—away from the group— to check in with your feelings and assess what you need.
• By not drinking during the holidays, you are overcoming and surpassing another critical time in the recovery process.
• The helpline at AddictionResource.net is available 24/7 to discuss the treatment needs of yourself or a loved one.
• Starting or going back to addiction treatment is also an option.
• When stress comes knocking you may find it much easier to separate yourself from your thoughts, and not react.

You may find yourself missing loved ones you have lost or who live far away. Try some of these festive holiday activities that don’t involve alcohol. Looking for new things to serve or drink over the holidays? Pressure to drink (real or perceived) can make some gatherings feel uncomfortable and downright stressful.

Having A Fun Sober Holiday

During times of stress, it can be helpful to embrace them. Spend time with people who you feel comfortable around, people who lift you up instead of bringing you down. Remind yourself that you are deserving of this connection — https://ecosoberhouse.com/ deserving of kindness, love, and happiness. If you are in recovery, especially if you’re newly sober, this might be difficult to be around. If you’re new to sobriety, read more about how to stay sober for the Fourth of July.

A few tips to help you enjoy the season and stay sober this year:

• You can be a help to those around you rather than being the person who needs help.
• Family members need to get involved in their own recovery from codependency.
• Before the holiday season begins, devise a plan to protect your sobriety.

Behavioral Addictions And The Holidays