Make them feel included in plans and if you know they are struggling, suggest they attend a meeting or call a sponsor. Gift Mindfully – A good option to avoid enabling is to not give gifts. Gifts and gift cards can be converted easily into money to buy drugs or alcohol. It may seem harsh to not exchange gifts over the holidays but putting money into a savings account they cannot access or planning future trips may be a better way to think of gifts. You deserve to feel joy at https://ecosoberhouse.com/what-are-sober-living-houses/ this time of year just like everyone else, so keep these tips in mind as you navigate your way through the holiday season and through your early recovery.
- There is no need to have money to give to be able to do things for other people during the holidays.
- However, individuals can face the season with confidence by recognizing potential holiday relapse triggers and building a solid plan to cope with stress.
- Getting creative and increasing healthy patterns of communication is way to show you love them.
- If you are going to an event with your family, you could always take a supportive member of your recovery network with you to have additional support to hold you accountable.
Preparing for Holiday Challenges in Early Addiction Recovery
Remember that reframing holidays in early recovery early recovery doesn’t last forever – if you have to alter your plans dramatically this year, that doesn’t mean you have to do it this way every year. Here at BTG we talk about the importance of eating good sources of protein for our neurotransmitter health or mood repairing and stabilizing forces. It can be tempting during the holiday to eat a bunch of junk food but it will do nothing for your mood or your cravings. Doing things like skipping a meal, or not including protein can lower your resilience or the ability for you to handle what life is throwing at you. Here are some general strategies for reframing holidays and creating successful sober celebrations. • If you’ll be seeing relatives who don’t know your family member has just completed treatment, prepare beforehand as to who will communicate the information in a way your family member is comfortable.
Guide to Sober and Happy Holidays
It will help to be around people who understand what you’re going through. The combination of alcohol and family dynamics can be challenging. Consider an exit strategy or a safety plan if alcohol is being served or if you feel anxious at these events.
Ask about substances ahead of time.
Before any holiday gathering, reflect on your sobriety journey. We tend to forget the reasons for choosing sobriety amidst the chaos of celebrations. Remind yourself that well-being is the bedrock upon which all positive holiday experiences are built. If you or someone you love is in recovery and are worried about getting through the holidays, it’s important to remember that you are not alone. We have put together a list of tips and resources to help people in recovery from a substance use disorder get through the holidays.
Commentary: How to Navigate the Holidays in Early Recovery
Avoid environments or individuals that may negatively influence or trigger you to use. Keep a positive expectation, opt for smaller gatherings, and don’t hesitate to give someone a call if you need to talk. Bring non-alcoholic drinks that you enjoy, concentrate on the culinary delights, ensure you have a support system within reach, be aware of your triggers, and respect your boundaries.
