Trying to remain sober during the holidays can be challenging for anyone trying to do so. The holidays typically bring higher stress levels, making it more difficult to avoid triggers and maintain sobriety. This is true for recovering alcoholics and recovering addicts of other substances. Sober Living Home Encinitas will work with you to develop effective coping strategies that will assist you in being sober during the holiday season.
Bring Your Alcoholic-Free Liquids
Attending a party during the holidays with one’s loved ones, whether friends or family, can present several challenges, one of which is the accessibility of non-alcoholic drinks. Those who struggle with alcoholism are more likely to relapse when they drink alcohol, so this behaviour could be considered a trigger. It is best to bring your drinks if you want to ensure that you will have something to consume and that you will not receive drinks from other people either accidentally or voluntarily.
Organize Your Activities
Over the holiday season, someone in the midst of recovering from substance misuse should make plans for activities that do not involve drinking alcohol or using illegal drugs. Activities that take place outside, such as hiking, surfing, swimming, art workshops, instructive lectures, or cooking courses, are a few of the many other choices that might be made. Other options include activities that take place inside. You can prevent the boredom and inactivity that can lead to relapse if you make plans for things to do in advance and stick to those plans
Stay Connected
Those who are sober are encouraged to maintain contact with their sober support network, which should include sober relatives and friends, even while they are on vacation. This not only makes the individual in recovery feel less isolated throughout their journey, but it also provides them with someone to lean on in the event that they are confronted with temptations.
Discuss Your Recovery Process
The stigma associated with sobriety and recovery is gradually fading away. Almost everyone feels the effects of addiction. Although it is ultimately up to you, please know that you need not feel uncomfortable opening up about your experience. By being open and honest about it, you may receive more love and encouragement from those closest to you than you could have anticipated. Your example may encourage someone else to take the plunge into recovery finally. Telling only a small group of close friends and family members can be helpful, too. You’ll have someone to hold you accountable and a little extra help while you try to stay clean over the holidays.
Manage Stress
While the holiday season is generally joyous, plenty of people struggle with anxiety. You might relate to these concerns, whether from the pressure of last-minute holiday shopping or tensions within your own family. Your past alcohol and drug usage may have been an attempt to alleviate stress. The holidays may be stressful, so it’s vital to take care of yourself, so you don’t end up feeling worse than you already are. Everything that helps you unwind and keep your equilibrium while you’re out of your usual routine is fair game, from meditating to taking walks, listening to music, and keeping a journal.
Request Assistance As Needed
If you find yourself becoming anxious, stressed, or triggered during the holidays, don’t be afraid to talk to your mentor about how you’re feeling. If your mentor is away for the holidays, talk to a reliable friend or family member instead, but not someone who has a substance abuse problem. Talk about your stress if you feel up to it. Instead of forcing yourself into an uncomfortable situation, ask that individual to hang out with you. This is a temporary reaction to your triggers because you’ve been here before. It’s best to go into battle prepared rather than avoiding the situation
Final Words
Maintaining sobriety through the Holiday season can be difficult owing to the increased pressures and temptations that come along with the season. Please do not hesitate to contact Men’s Sober Living home if you need more advice on how to remain clean during the holidays or if you would like assistance for a loved one facing a substance use disorder.
