Tips for Staying Sober During the Holidays

The holidays can often disrupt our daily routines, but it’s important to try to stick to your regular routine as much as possible. This includes eating well, getting enough rest and exercise, and attending support group meetings. These habits help maintain a sense of stability and structure in your life.

Before attending any holiday event, make sure you have a plan in place to help you stick to your goal of staying sober during the holidays. This plan can include the following:

• Bring your own non-alcoholic beverages so you have something to hold
• Drive yourself to holiday events to hold yourself accountable
• Recognize when you are experiencing triggering emotions such as loneliness, anger, or anxiety
• Have an exit strategy if things become overwhelming
• Identify a supportive friend or family member who can help keep you accountable
• Arrive early to events and leave early
• Rehearse how you will turn down substances
• Have a plan for how to address people who try to pressure you to drink

Additionally, it’s important to have a plan for how to handle potential triggers. This could include avoiding certain situations or people, having coping strategies in place, and practicing mindfulness techniques.

Staying sober during the holidays is a whole lot easier when there are no substances or substance abuse around you. Instead of attending events where alcohol will be present, consider seeking out sober activities during the holidays. This could include attending a holiday concert or play, volunteering at a charity event, or hosting a sober gathering with friends and family.

Recovery doesn’t mean that you celebrate any less. Instead, it’s an opportunity to celebrate in a different, more meaningful way. Rather than getting intoxicated at holiday events, you will have the opportunity to create new traditions.

Triggers can get in the way of staying sober during the holidays. It’s an unfortunate reality that many people find spending time with their family triggering. The holidays present an obligation to spend time with family that many choose not to avoid. While you may want to spend time with your family, it is reasonable to limit your exposure to triggering family members.

If this is the case for you, consider limiting the amount of time you spend with family or setting boundaries beforehand. If you know that your mom or uncle becomes more difficult to be around after a few hours, you can come prepared with an excuse to leave early. You could also plan to attend holiday events with a supportive friend or loved one who can help keep you grounded in your sobriety goals.

The holiday season can be tough, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Reach out to your support system for help and guidance when needed can help with staying sober during the holidays. This could include attending recovery meetings, talking to a therapist or sponsor, or simply spending time with friends and family who support your sobriety.

Bringing a sober plus one to events can also be a helpful way to stay accountable and have someone who understands the challenges of staying sober during the holidays. Instead of going to your work holiday party or family’s home alone, bring a sober friend or family member who can provide support and encouragement.

Creating manageable goals is another act that supports staying sober during the holidays. Instead of setting unrealistic expectations for yourself during the holidays, focus on creating manageable goals that align with your recovery journey. This could include:

• Attending a certain number of support group meetings
• Volunteering at a local charity
• Practicing self-care activities

By creating and achieving manageable goals, you can feel a sense of accomplishment and continue to build your confidence in your recovery journey

Self-care is crucial during the holidays. Make sure to prioritize your physical and mental health by getting enough rest, eating well, and practicing self-compassion. Avoid taking on too many responsibilities or overcommitting yourself. Remember that it’s okay to say no if something doesn’t align with your sobriety goals.

Often, relapse is the result of unmitigated stress. By taking care of yourself, you are better equipped to handle the pressures and challenges of the holiday season without turning to substances. Instead of turning to drugs or alcohol to numb your pain, you will be better prepared to tackle it head-on.

Despite being prepared, there are times when relapse happens. It’s essential to remember that relapse is not a sign of failure, but rather an opportunity to learn and grow. Don’t let one slip-up ruin all the progress you have made.

If you do experience a relapse, it’s crucial to seek help and support immediately. Reach out to your sponsor, therapist, or recovery group for guidance and support. It’s also important to reflect on what triggered the relapse and make adjustments to your relapse prevention plan to prevent future slip-ups.

A relapse prevention plan is a crucial tool in staying sober during the holidays. This plan should include strategies for managing triggers, identifying supportive resources, and creating a healthy support system. It’s essential to regularly review and update your relapse prevention plan to ensure it aligns with your current needs and challenges.

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.