How To Stay Sober During The Holidays

You may find yourself missing loved ones you have lost or who live far away. Let’s not forget the usual holiday stress from shopping, decorating, baking, expenses, family dynamics, etc. It can be tempting to have “just one drink” to take the edge off.

Why the Holiday Season Can Be Challenging for Sobriety

Although the holiday season is known as sober holidays a particularly difficult time for people in recovery, other holidays can also be just as triggering. As with depression, anxiety is linked to addiction, making feelings of anxiety triggering for many people in recovery. For people with substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders, such as addiction and depression, drinking or drug use may have been a way to self-medicate. At Pinnacle Treatment Centers, we recognize the pressure and impact of the holiday season on those managing substance use disorder (SUD). Let’s discuss these challenges, ways to prepare, and resources for support when needed most. A 2023 study in the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment found that a 10-minute guided mindfulness meditation can help deal with cravings and cope with addictions.

• So deep, in fact, that when he does ask for juice, his parents give him lectures on how it’s unhealthy and full of sugar.
• “Treat these drinks like they’re really special,” says Vermont-based chef Suzanne Podhaizer, who makes an assortment of mocktails when she entertains.
• And on the twelfth day of the holiday season, my true love gave to me… the gift of recovery—strength, support, and the courage to enjoy a sober, joyful season!

A Rehab Journey in Thailand

Although these tips can be helpful, family can sometimes be the biggest challenge when staying sober during the holidays. It’s important to have open and honest communication to make this season enjoyable and safe. The holidays can make it tough to stay sober, especially with all the parties and get-togethers where there’s usually alcohol around. It can also be stressful and carry a lot of social pressure. A strong support network is invaluable during the holidays. This could include friends, family, or members of a support group who understand your Twelve-step program journey and are committed to helping you achieve your goals.

Stress

Does three hours with your mother leave you craving a drink? Get quiet, ask your Higher Power for https://eeglyon.org/index.php/2021/09/09/overview-of-dehydration-what-to-know-drink-types-2/ some guidance on the perfect time limit. It’s okay to put your recovery first, stay a little vague and take care of yourself. If you’re in recovery, the holidays can pose serious challenges to your sobriety and sanity. For many, family interaction plays a big part in this holiday pressure.

• The pressures and high expectations we place on the holiday season sometimes cause us to feel overwhelmed with stress and anxiety rather than merriment.
• Millions of Americans live with some form of drug or alcohol addiction, and many are in recovery.
• Avoiding these situations isn’t a sign of weakness; it demonstrates strength and a commitment to sobriety.
• These new traditions can reinforce your commitment to recovery while helping you enjoy the season in a healthier way.
• This could include friends, family, or members of a support group who understand your journey and are committed to helping you achieve your goals.

It’s OK to not feel OK — even and especially during the holiday season. Remember, staying sober during the holidays isn’t just about saying no to alcohol. It’s about taking care of your long-term recovery and well-being. The holidays are a short period, but your recovery is worth protecting. The Dawn Wellness Centre and Rehab is a unique, Thailand-based drug and alcohol rehab centre designed to promote an atmosphere of personal growth, healing, and self-discovery.

The holiday season can also be emotionally charged, with feelings of nostalgia, sadness, and anxiety. The disruption of regular routines and schedules can further challenge your efforts to maintain sobriety. Addiction rehab requires continuous effort and self-reflection, especially during emotionally charged times like the holidays.

When combined with counseling, this approach is proven highly effective. Excessive drinking has numerous impacts on your body and mind, ranging from mild to severe. Learn which signs to look out for, and how to care for your well-being. When you take the opportunity to connect with others—to see, value and honor their experience—you exercise empathy.