One of the most challenging times of the year for someone who has recently gone through recovery from addiction can be the holiday season. This time of the year comes with a lot of joy, celebrations, and gatherings many of them being the cause of social pressure and temptation.
For someone who has gone through the not-so-easy experience of recovery, it has been difficult to be in this situation, and they may not know how to make this pressure less or how to cope with it.
These feelings can be taken care of with the right strategies and coping mechanisms, so you can enjoy your holidays without any damage to your hard work towards recovery.
At Capistrano Beach Recovery, we realize how important it can be for you to maintain recovery, so let us go over some options and things you can do to prioritize your health and well-being during this holiday season.
1. Plan for Success
Being prepared mentally and physically is crucial during holidays. You can plan ahead for events and gatherings, realize which ones may have alcohol or other substances present, and decide how you will be responding to those invitations.
If you end up planning to attend any of these events, consider taking a sober friend/family member with you to support you, know how to leave if you feel overwhelmed, and have non-alcoholic drinks in case of any surprises.
Being prepared can make you feel more comfortable, less overwhelmed, and in control.
2. Build a Sober Support Network
If you are the only person going through the holidays sober it can be exhausting. Make sure you communicate with family and loved ones about your priorities and goals so they can be more understanding and supportive.
You can also connect with support groups, or recovery sponsors and mentors if needed at any time during this experience to stay encouraged and accountable.
3. Prioritize Self-Care
This time of the year can be super busy, causing many people to forget about their physical and emotional well-being.
Include self-care in your daily schedule by setting time aside for exercise, having a healthy diet, and practicing calming techniques such as deep breathing or meditation. This can help manage stress and help you stay sober in more challenging environments with triggers.
4. Avoid High-Risk Situations
There are locations, situations, or even people who may be reminders of your past substance abuse. It is best to avoid these when possible and focus on other activities that are healthy and supportive of your healthy sober life.
Remember that you have worked hard for your recovery and it is worth more than any social obligation.
5. Set Boundaries and Say No
The holidays often come with invitations, traditions, and expectations that can feel overwhelming. Practice saying no with confidence and politely.
This can also make you feel more comfortable, to be honest about your goals and needs, remembering the right people in your life would support and encourage this behavior of yours.
6. Focus on Gratitude
Shift your mindset towards gratitude to stay positive when a challenging moment presents itself. Take some time to reflect on yourself, your day, and the things you are thankful for. This can constantly remind you about the positive effects of sobriety on your life, keeping you motivated.
7. Create New Holiday Traditions
Just because everyone else had alcohol and substances included in their holidays does not mean it is the right way to go about the holidays. Enjoy your holiday by starting some new traditions that do not involve any alcohol or other substances, and can help you build memories while sober.
Some examples of these can be movie nights, baking holiday treats, decorating your home, or exploring holiday light displays.
We all know a lot is going on during the holidays which can cause stress and anxiety to many. If you had a history of addiction, stress was probably one of the triggers that contributed to the addiction.
To protect your sobriety during this stressful time, manage your stress by journaling, going to therapy, or taking breaks or time to yourself.
This can help you manage stress and prioritize your mental health, decreasing the risk of relapse during holidays.
9. Stay Active in Your Recovery Program
If you are still in a recovery program, holidays do not mean you are on a break from it, if anything staying on top of your treatment plan is more crucial than any other time of the year due to the increased amount of triggers.
Attend your scheduled recovery meetings and appointments regularly and make them a priority before any other event or gathering.
10. Celebrate Sober Wins
Every event you get through sober is an achievement. Remind yourself of the importance of your hard work and celebrate yourself. This can keep you motivated and inspired to get through the holidays sober and help you feel good about yourself.
11. Have a Response Ready for Questions
Families and friends enjoy asking questions during the holidays more than any other time because of the increased amount of time you end up spending with them.
If the question of why you are not drinking or using a substance comes up, make sure you have a response prepared that you are comfortable with sharing.
Keep the responses simple and avoid discussions that may shift your focus from enjoying your holidays and your wins to staying sober.
12. Seek Professional Support When Needed
We are humans and can make mistakes. Sometimes despite all the efforts you have put into staying positive, holidays get overwhelming and you do not know how to process these feelings. You should reach out to a professional recovery center that can provide you with additional guidance and resources you need.
At Capistrano Beach Recovery, our team is here to help you navigate these challenges and stay on track.
Start Your Sober Holiday
Holidays should not be a reason that you are not committed to your sobriety. By using these 12 tips and many more strategies, you can celebrate holidays and make memories with loved ones while sober and free from any complications of addiction.
This can give the holidays a new deeper meaning.
If you or your loved one needs additional support during this time, Contact Us Today and let us guide you through every step of a sober life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About ADHD
Planning ahead and bringing a sober companion can help you navigate potentially triggering situations. Be sure to have an exit strategy if needed.
Politely decline with a prepared response, such as, “I’m focusing on my health right now.” Stand firm and redirect the conversation if necessary.
Many communities host alcohol-free events during the holidays, such as movie nights or volunteering opportunities. Check local listings for options.
Take time for self-care, connect with your support network, and don’t hesitate to seek professional guidance if needed.
Attend regular meetings, participate in special holiday gatherings, and stay connected with your sponsor or mentor to maintain accountability.
Get Help Today!
Are you or a loved one struggling with ADHD? Contact us today and let one of our caring staff members guide you toward the next step in managing ADHD and improving quality of life.
