The holiday season can be a particularly difficult time for those committed to a sober lifestyle. Christmas and New Year’s Eve often come with social pressures and expectations, many of which involve alcohol-centric celebrations. At The Pearl, we understand the struggle and want to offer practical tips to help you manage the week ahead while avoiding potential relapse triggers.
1. Plan
Knowing what you’ll face is half the battle. If you’re planning to attend a party, rehearse some responses ahead of time. Decide whether you’ll tell other people about being in recovery or decline with a polite “No, thank you.” Keeping a bottle of water or juice in your hand can also reduce the number of offers you get.
2. Bring Your Beverages
Don’t rely on the party host to cater to your needs. Bringing your favorite non-alcoholic drinks with you ensures you have something safe to drink and can also be an excellent conversation starter.
3. Create New Traditions
Redefine what the holidays mean to you by starting new traditions that don’t revolve around alcohol. It could be watching beloved movies with your family, baking and decorating cookies, or volunteering at a local charity.
4. Stay Connected With Supportive People
Spend time with friends and family who respect your sobriety and understand your goals. If you’re going to be in a challenging environment, have a sober friend or recovery sponsor on speed dial for moral support.
5. Practice Self-Care
The holidays can be stressful, making it even more crucial to practice self-care. Ensure you’re getting enough rest, eating well, and finding time to relax and decompress. Try incorporating daily breathing exercises to relieve stress.
6. Attend Support Meetings
Keep up with your regular support group meetings. If you’re traveling, look up meetings near your destination city ahead of time. Many groups also offer online sessions that can be invaluable.
7. Have an Exit Plan
If you find yourself in a situation where the temptation or pressure is too much, it’s OK to leave. Have a strategy for a quick and polite exit. Remember, your well-being comes first.
8. Focus on Gratitude
Remember why you chose sobriety. Focusing on the positive changes in your life since quitting drugs or alcohol can help reinforce your motivation.
9. Be Mindful of Your Feelings
Acknowledge your feelings and remember that it’s normal to feel a mix of emotions during the holidays. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a therapist or counselor if you’re struggling.
10. Celebrate Your Sobriety
Lastly, take a moment to observe all your accomplishments in sobriety. Each day you maintain your commitment is an achievement worth commemorating.
Where Healing Meets Empowerment
While the holiday season can be taxing, it is also an opportunity to take some time out for yourself. At The Pearl, we believe in empowering our clients to face life’s challenges with strength, grace, and resilience. Our approach to addiction treatment includes trauma-informed care in a women’s-only environment that is conducive to connection and communication. Contact us today to learn how we can transform your life.
