Sobriety Around The Holidays
For many people in recovery, the holidays can be a difficult time. There are added pressures, anxieties, and old memories that appear as the year comes to a close. In many cases, individuals are separated from loved ones or, even more troubling – forced to spend time with their families. Staying clear of alcohol and drugs this holiday season may be a challenge, but several things can be done to help make things easier. What can you do to maintain sobriety around the holidays?
New Memories
The holiday season is filled with traditions and habits that, in many cases, have been handed down through the generations. Unfortunately for many of us in recovery, the celebrations of years past included and revolved around alcohol and drugs. As this festive time of year approaches, it is crucial to introduce new ways to celebrate. This is an excellent opportunity to spend time with other friends in recovery, likely experiencing the same thing and creating new traditions. These don’t have to be extravagant or complicated; they should be simple things to help steer clear of the typical alcohol-focused holiday gatherings that are plentiful at this time of year.
Plan Ahead
One of the most important things a person can do as the holidays approach is to have a plan. Before an uncomfortable situation arises, having some things in place is a great idea to help navigate them. This could mean bringing a sober friend to particular gatherings or having several people to call if things become complicated. In some cases, it may mean skipping certain events altogether. Ensuring there is a way out and that a person does not become “trapped” in a particular situation is an intelligent way to help alleviate some of the anxiety that may occur.
Put Recovery First
A recovery program should be of utmost importance at all times of the year, but it can be essential to put a little extra into it around the holidays. No matter what program a person is involved in, it is a great idea to spend some additional time strengthening it. Making a gratitude list, setting aside some daily quiet time, and spending time with others who have experience navigating this time of year are all fantastic ideas.
Open Mindedness
A key component to having a successful holiday season in recovery is to be open-minded about it. It is important to remember that some feelings of anxiety or emotional highs and lows are entirely normal. This goes not only for the individual in recovery but the rest of the population as well! These types of feelings are what make us human, and if we can embrace them rather than mask them with drugs and alcohol, a large step toward long-term recovery has been made.
Use this time of year to celebrate life as you look forward to a new year in recovery!
