The holidays can be a trying time for people to stay healthy, maintain sobriety or even practice intentional moderation from drugs and alcohol. Additional stressors, childhood memories, and holiday customs that revolve around substance use can have an emotional effect and put a person's sobriety at risk.
The greatest gift you can give yourself and and your family is safeguarding your sobriety.
There are many ways to enjoy the holidays without alcohol or drugs. Planning for a continuous safe and sober holiday season can prevent a relapse occurrence. Here are some tips to help you navigate the holidays.
1. Have sober strategies in place.
Writing a sober plan and having sober strategies in place can assist you in being ready to face specific stressors, triggers and urges.
2. Have an escape plan where you do not need to rely on others for transportation.
3. Think about attending events with a sponsor or sober buddy or attending a sobriety meeting before and after an event.
5. Remind yourself that at times, a feeling of loneliness is normal, it passes.
7. Consider creating and introducing new traditions.
Having new activities can produce new traditions that do not include drugs or alcohol. This is a great time for volunteer opportunities and developing hobbies.
8. Seek recovery wherever you are.
Find local meetings and fellowship with sober-minded people.
9. Keep numbers for hotlines available.
SAMHSA's National Helpline
1-800-662-HELP (4357)
10. Always keep in mind that using alcohol and drugs is not required to enjoy a celebration.