Forexpulse Many Americans increase their alcohol consumption during the holiday season, often beginning with the night before Thanksgiving. The coronavirus pandemic has been cause for even more imbibing. It is also a good idea to practice saying the exact response you want to give people when they ask why you are sober, or why you don’t drink. Of course, you do not need to explain yourself. But, preparing a simple line, such as, “I’m sober now,” or “I just don’t drink anymore,” can help you remember to say something short, sweet, and just walk away.
This is the time of year to be thankful, and I am thankful that the memories I am making this year will be well remembered and that sober holidays are the new normal. Below, you’ll find all of our best tips and stories about staying sober for the holidays. Maybe you are worried about your own drug use, or maybe you’re worried about the drug use of someone else. Either way, most addiction recovery agencies, treatment centers, and domestic violence resources increase efforts during the holidays. You aren’t alone, and you don’t have to feel unsafe. Call a local treatment center like Into Action Recovery Centers or a local crisis line. Make this holiday the last unsafe holiday for you and your family.
Addictive Personality Traits: Can They Predict Addiction?
The holiday season can be a triggering time for many reasons. Knowing your potential holiday relapse triggers is of utmost importance in any stage of recovery. It’s important to think of yourself first this holiday season.
Time spent with sober friends or family will calm your thoughts and keep you accountable for your actions. To discuss our treatment programs or reach out online. It informs your peers that you will not accept drinks or drugs, and gently encourages them to avoid reflexively offering these substances. Write down the physical effects that drinking has had on your body.
- This stress-free setting with its sense of warmth and welcoming enables you to feel comfortable and confident about your clean and sober life ahead.
- Sheinbaum decided to try “Dry January,” four years ago.
- If you feel comfortable doing so, let the hosts know your situation.
- But is that what the holidays are really about – about getting wasted and blacking out?
- They mistakenly think that having a little food and plenty of alcohol is enough to ensure everyone has a good time.
- In the end, the humility you gain will only strengthen your recovery.
This year, with the current restrictions surrounding COVID-19, the holidays may feel even more difficult as people find themselves feeling incredibly disconnected or alone. Unfortunately, most holidays tend to be heavy drinking days because celebrations usually include alcoholic drinks. For some widely celebrated holidays, such asSt. Patrick’s Day, Memorial Day weekend, Labor Day, and the Fourth of July, alcohol tends to play a vital role in many people’s celebrations. This is especially true if they’ve only recently finished their initial treatment and are still rebuilding a support system and reconnecting with family they haven’t seen for some time.
Tips To Stay Sober On Vacation
Sure it has better food and gaudy sweaters, but there’s nothing about Christmas, or New Year’s Eve, or a holiday party that warrants derailing your sobriety. We cling to this false idea that celebrating means drinking.
Prepare ahead of time in order to ensure you still have a good time and remain safe. Here are some tips for staying sober on these heavy drink days.
When people hear the word “alcoholism” or “alcoholic” there’s usually a specific image that pops into their brains. Don’t hype up the holidays and make them something they’re not.
You do not need to share your story with every single person you interact with during the holidays, but having it on hand can help you explain your situation without panicking. Consider writing down this plan on a piece of paper that you can carry with you. This way, you are able to refer back to your prevention plan and coping strategies throughout these events and festivities.
Explore A Future Without Alcohol
Plan a self-care day for the following day that you can look forward to and don’t forget to follow the healthy routines that you’ve set forth. “The CDC had a data point that says 41% of adults are struggling with either mental health issues, substance use issues or suicidal ideation during the pandemic. That’s why reaching out is so important right now,” she said. “If you’re looking to not consume alcohol during Thanksgiving or Christmas or Hanukkah or any other festive holiday … Those who want to socialize but not drink alcohol can try holding a nonalcoholic drink at all times, so no one offers to buy you a drink, Fors said. This year, there may be the added stress of not being able to see loved ones during the holidays or having to navigate the new normal by replacing in-person visits with virtual ones.
If you have Wi-Fi on the plane, email or text your sponsor or a friend in recovery for support. We can get overwhelmed with the erratic nature of the season, so as you plan each day in November and December, start with 12-step support as your first priority. This could mean bookending a holiday event with phone calls to someone in recovery before and after the event.
Having alcohol in the house for friends and events. If going to the party or gathering is just too stressful right now, don’t go. Having a sober companion is one of the best ways to face social situations where there may be alcohol. Your common goal and accountability will make you both stronger in the face of temptation. Medication is sometimes necessary in extreme situations. Seek guidance from your doctors and recovery team if you feel that this would be beneficial to you.
If there is a possibility that you will feel uncomfortable while you are there, make sure that you have transportation available so you can leave. And once again, consider skipping the event if its risk is too significant. There is no harm in rethinking your holiday obligations. If you are attending holiday events, make sure you come prepared with a safe food or drink that you can have while at the party. This could include sparkling cider or juice to keep you feeling part of the celebration. It Is also a good idea to prepare an “exit strategy”, such as a reason you need to leave a party early, if you are feeling too triggered or overwhelmed. This means offering to help clean up, or drive intoxicated people home.
Forewarned is forearmed and with a solid plan, you’re going to make it through this sober holiday season with bells on, whether you are in recovery for a month or ten years. From Halloween to New Year’s, it often feels as if all anyone wants to do is celebrate the season with a cocktail… or four. But since you’re not drinking, the holiday season can instead feel lonely and isolating if all you’re seeing is friends and family toasting with a big mug of eggnog . Pinelands Recovery Center of Medford is widely known as one of New Jersey’s finest, most respected addiction treatment facilities. With comfortable 30-bed accommodations and a 24-hour professional staff, we can offer clients a serene, relaxing environment amid the lush piney woods. This stress-free setting with its sense of warmth and welcoming enables you to feel comfortable and confident about your clean and sober life ahead. Further isolating yourself during times of celebration, especially following times of extended isolation, is not the answer.
You could eat a nice meal, get a massage, spend time with someone you love, or find another small way to reward yourself for staying sober during the holidays. You may be tempted to join the children’s table if your adult loved ones are in the “party” mood. And with your clarity of mind you will definitely win the Scrabble tournament. Sober holidays are tailor made for good old fashioned fun. If things get stuffy, head outside for a walk or go for a short drive to clear your head. But take the time to stop and think about your life giving recovery.
If you don’t think the activity is going to be good for your recovery, it’s okay not to go. You can politely decline the party invite, but make a lunch date with the host for another day. The holidays don’t give us a green light to overindulge. There’s nothing worse that stuffing ourselves with too much sugar, carbs, and fat-laden foods that make us feel bad. So be proactive and choose healthy foods that will make you want to celebrate, not feel guilty. As you consider holiday occasions, think about them as a way to make new friendships and perhaps rekindle old relationships with friends. Our culture makes it easy to believe that, in order to feel the holiday spirit, you need to fill yourself with spirits – wine, champagne, spiked eggnog, what-have-you.
New behavior patterns can strengthen new thinking. There is no shame in needing to step away from a situation that is simply too much for you to handle. Remember that your health and recovery need to come first. If you are in an environment that is not beneficial to your recovery goals, it might be time to step away. Remind yourself of the hard work you have done and be sure to keep track of the positive ways sobriety has influenced your life.
The Holidays Can Be Tough For Those Just Out Of Alcohol And Drug Rehab
And THAT leads to a nagging feeling that you’re really doing the holidays “wrong”. Our highly trained behavioral health professionals are passionate about helping people find the life they want to live. Seneca Health Services, we want you to remember that you are never alone — we are always here for you.
Take a breather from the party and make an outreach call during the event. Schedule coffee with a recovery friend or make a counseling appointment the day after the holiday. Into Action offers a few tips for those in recovery to make staying sober and sane this holiday easier, even when life at home is far from perfect. My initial booze-free holiday proved temporary, but the nagging sensation didn’t go away. After a couple of lockdown-frazzled nights last year, when I shamefully overcooked it, I resolved to have another holiday from the sauce. I have a 17-month-old child; my desire to be present for her dovetails nicely with my desire not to be hungover when my head is jumped on at 6am. The problem was that holidays were against pandemic restrictions.
