The holiday season is often described as the most wonderful time of the year, filled with celebrations, family gatherings, and cherished traditions. However, this time of year can also present unique challenges for people in recovery. From the presence of alcohol at social events to the emotional weight of family dynamics, the holidays can sometimes feel more overwhelming than joyful. The holidays are just around the corner, and while some people love this time of year, many feel anxious, overwhelmed, and even dread it. For those newly in substance use recovery or supporting a loved one in recovery, this season can bring added challenges. As a mental health occupational therapist, I work with many clients who feel stressed and overwhelmed this time of year.
- I work with many clients who struggle with people-pleasing, and the thought of disappointing others can be distressing.
- However, with preparation and boundaries, you can confidently participate while protecting your sobriety.
- Social events often revolve around food and drinks, with alcohol playing a central role.
- Find simple ways to say I love you without having to find the perfect gifts.
Planning for Support During Your First Sober Holiday
This last tip is not about the holiday, but about the days following the holiday. For many addicts, getting through a stressful situation is not that difficult. This is when the holidays are over and our adrenaline and cortisol levels start returning to normal. Bathrooms are great because people rarely will argue with us if we say,“Excuse me, I have to go to the bathroom.” When we are in the bathroom (or some place private) we can blink and breath.
- It is most important to find the right balance for your individual needs during the holiday season.
- Focusing on gratitude, staying mindful, and leaning on your support network can help you turn holiday obstacles into opportunities for growth and joy.
- For people in early recovery, these stressors can be more severe.
Take Out Insurance for Your Addiction by Focusing on How You Can Be of Service
Your friends and family at Lighthouse Recovery Institute will be here to help Substance abuse you navigate these stressful days. If you feel that you don’t have the strength to navigate the holidays by yourself, you don’t have to. Contact us and learn more about our aftercare recovery program to access the support you need this time of the year. Routines offer structure, keep you grounded, and help ensure you’re prioritizing yourself.
Create Your Holiday Relapse Prevention Plan
Even in the merriest of times, stress, triggers, and loneliness can deter your focus on recovery. Despite this, with preparation and reframing holidays in early recovery support, navigating the holidays while protecting your sobriety is possible. Social gatherings during the holidays can be overwhelming, especially if alcohol is a central element of these events. However, with preparation and boundaries, you can confidently participate while protecting your sobriety. The Discovery House is a fully licensed, Joint Commission accredited, comprehensive drug and alcohol treatment center located in Reseda servicing the Los Angeles area. We provide detox and residential addiction treatment to individuals from all across the United States.
Watching Out for Holiday Triggers in Recovery
- Some plan extra therapy sessions before the holidays to try to smooth things over in advance.
- If you feel your recovery is at risk, don’t hesitate to reach out for help.
- Your first sober holiday season is not without its challenges, but it’s also a time of immense growth and opportunity.
- Acknowledging how far you’ve come reinforces your commitment to recovery and sets the tone for the future.
- It might seem silly at first, but writing down our triggers, responses, and plans in advance can help us be better prepared for difficult situations.
- Planning gives you control over your environment and how you respond to it.
Reflect on how far you’ve come in your recovery journey. Shift your mindset to what you’re grateful for this season. If you find yourself in an uncomfortable or triggering situation, it’s okay to leave. The hospitals do not exclude people or treat them differently because of race, color, national origin, age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation or sex. To use this dropdown – go to the Advanced tab and give it a unique ID that contains the exact ID of the menu item that triggers this menu + ‘dropdown’. For example, the ABOUT menu would have an ID of ‘aboutdropdown’.
Protect Your Recovery by Preparing for Alcohol/Drug/Food/Other “Pushers”
For someone in early recovery, however, it can also feel daunting. This is a period filled with traditions, gatherings, and emotions that may be unfamiliar or challenging to navigate while maintaining sobriety. Your first sober holiday season is an opportunity for growth and a chance to rediscover the meaning of these celebrations without substances.