10 Ways to Maintain Sobriety During the Holiday Season
10 Ways to Maintain Sobriety During the Holiday Season
The holidays can prove to be a stressful, and sometimes, lonely time of year. For those of us who struggle with substance use disorder, this season can be full of triggers. According to scholars, alcohol-related fatalities tend to increase during the holidays. It’s important to stay safe and stay sober.
Here are 10 ways to maintain sobriety during the holiday season:
Avoid holiday stressors. You're back in town, and all of a sudden, every person from your past wants to get together. Don’t overwhelm yourself (or your schedule), instead, remind yourself that it’s okay to say no.
Parties. Are you at the point in your recovery journey where you can be around people drinking? Be truthful with yourself, and talk to your sponsor. If the answer is no, see if there are any AA groups in your area putting on a holiday celebration. Get together with others in the recovery community and celebrate in an alcohol-free environment. Don’t forget to bring the cranberry and tonic!
Staying on a schedule. Schedule and community are important aspects of recovery. If you are visiting your childhood home, grandparents' house, or even just taking a holiday vacation make sure that you stick to your schedule as much as possible. Maintain your morning and night routines, attend local meetings, and stay active.
Avoiding people from your past. As mentioned, if you are visiting a place you once called home for the holidays, you’re bound to run into old friends. If these were friends from your active addiction days, it’s in your best interest to avoid them. When running into these people from your past, be pleasant but short. If you find it easier, bring a family member or trusted friend along with you when you leave the house. That way, temptations will be more easily avoidable.
Loneliness. Not all of us have plans for the holidays. Some of us are no longer on the best terms with our family. That’s okay! As long as you are sticking to your recovery journey, you are never truly alone. Call your sponsor, go to meetings, join a sober holiday gathering.
Family. Family dynamics can be complicated. If you are planning on spending the holidays with them, make sure you have a plan. Do your parents like to drink at the table? Does your sister bring up negative stories from the past? Maybe try to have a conversation with them beforehand about your needs. If that doesn’t work, have a friend that you can meet up with after to talk it out. If nothing else, of course, call your sponsor.
Have an exit plan. Sometimes in recovery, we find ourselves overwhelmed with the desire to use. This is completely normal. The key is to never give in. Remember, just make it through today. If you find yourselves in a situation that is too much for you, have an exit plan. Have a trusted (and sober!) family member or friend aware of your exit plan and ready to assist if need be. Take a breather, talk it out, call your sponsor. It’s important to take the time you need for yourself. You got this!
Know what to say. “Why aren’t you drinking! ,” ''are you sure you don’t want just one drink?” These questions quickly get old. You don’t owe it to anyone to explain yourself. If you choose to, that’s completely your choice. If you would rather not, have a reply ready. Whether you use an excuse such as you’re driving or that you’re just not in the mood for a drink.
Be prepared. Oftentimes it’s comforting to just hold a drink in your hand to blend in (nonalcoholic of course). Make sure you’re stocked up on ingredients for your favorite nonalcoholic beverage. For something a little more festive, try a Peppermint Julep!
Enjoy yourself! Just because you're in recovery, doesn’t mean you can’t relax and enjoy the holidays. At the end of the day, it’s the most wonderful time of the year! Go caroling, exchange gifts, eat as many cookies as you can, spend time with loved ones, and simply relax. You deserve it.