The holidays are approaching, and those in recovery are no doubt both excited for and nervous about their first sober holiday! Holidays are stressful enough but can be even more so when trying to remain sober. It’s a time when common addiction triggers and peer pressure are prevalent, so it’s important to take steps to remain safe.
That’s why at Driftwood Recovery, clients learn essential skills such as relapse prevention before completing treatment. Even after treatment is completed, alumni have access to the alumni program and other resources to protect their recovery. Being sober doesn’t mean a person can’t have fun. On the contrary, sober people can enjoy the holidays just as much as those who aren’t. It’s being safe that’s important.
So, have a joyful, safe, sober holiday by following these simple tips!
Tip #1: Have a Safe Sober Holiday by Enforcing Boundaries
Having healthy boundaries is important for everyone, not just those in recovery. Sometimes, loved ones can do hurtful things without realizing it. Educate your loved ones about what it means for you to be sober and set some reasonable boundaries.
For example, it’s reasonable to ask loved ones not to bring substances, such as alcohol, into your home. It’s also reasonable to ask loved ones not to take you into triggering situations, such as bars or other establishments that feature heavy substance use.
Though it may be hard, sometimes you will need to cut off toxic people who may threaten your sober holiday. Unkind people who ignore boundaries often inflict stress, which can exasperate cravings. It’s best to be safe and instead surround yourself with people who will respect you and your boundaries.
Tip #2: Be Aware of and Avoid Addiction Triggers
The holidays are full of addiction triggers. It’s a time of year when people typically consume the most alcohol or other recreational drugs. Those who have recovered from tobacco addiction may note that they tended to smoke the most during the holidays. It’s easy to see why. The holidays are full of stress, and there is a societal pressure to “let loose” and indulge. Some situations invoke the urge to use substances, such as parties, simply because you used substances during them in the past. Situational memories can be a powerful addiction trigger, along with stress and other situations that remind you strongly of substance use.
Before you engage in your sober holiday, you must be intimately aware of your personal addiction triggers. Some can be avoided entirely, such as staying away from bars or reducing stress. Others, such as having a party, may be a bit more difficult. However, you can change the party to suit yourself and your sober holiday by including festive mocktails as a replacement for alcohol. Over time, these mocktails will become a part of your new normal and reduce cravings.
Tip #3: Look To Your Support Network for a Sober Holiday
Having a sober social life is important for a successful and happy, sober holiday. Maintaining access to peer support allows you to not be alone during an especially triggering part of the year. Though familial support is also important, having friends who truly understand what you have gone through makes facing what’s ahead easier. Peers can help hold you accountable during the holiday so you make healthy choices. It’s common for peers to host their sober holiday parties during the season. If they do, you can simply go to their parties instead of stressing over throwing one of your own.
Tip #4: Make Plans to Reduce Stress
Stress is one of the leading causes of relapse, so it’s vital to take the time to reduce stress during the holidays. Practicing self-care is but one of the ways you can reduce stress. Make sure you eat well, get plenty of sleep, and move your body regularly.
You can also make plans in advance for your sober holiday. Meal prepping nutritious meals is easy and can be done a week or more in advance. Then, you can simply heat and eat without worrying about cooking during a stressful time. Make sure the people you include in your sober holiday are well aware of your boundaries. If a family member is a pain and only causes stress, you are allowed to not invite them to preserve your mental health. You can also save time by doing little things, such as packing luggage the night before to prevent a stressful scramble before traveling.
The holidays, at their core, are stressful, but as long as you take the time to relax and have a moment to yourself, you can get through it with minimal fuss and stress.
Tip #5: Set Yourself Up for Success for a Happy Sober Holiday
The best part about the holidays is that it reminds you that you aren’t alone. There are always people who care about you and want you to succeed. So set yourself up for success by leaning on the people who build you up, especially mental health care professionals. Alumni at Driftwood Recovery, for example, are always welcome to return for help and advice. Here, they can ask advice from mental health care professionals on how to protect their sobriety during stressful times, such as the holidays. Fellow alumni can also be helpful by sharing their wisdom and experiences to create the ultimate sober holiday.
Besides asking for help from professionals, you must also remember that though times of stress happen, they don’t last forever. Remember that the darkness will pass as long as you hold on to your ideals and practice the skills you have learned. Doing so will ensure many more happy and sober holidays.
Being sober and in recovery doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy holiday celebrations. It simply means that you must be careful and safe to protect your recovery. That’s why at Driftwood Recovery in Driftwood and Austin, Texas, we work to prepare our alumni for life after treatment. This includes skills to reduce stress and prevent a relapse during the chaos of the holidays. We also offer therapies that help our alumni set boundaries and communicate with their loved ones. Our goal is not just for our alumni to remain in recovery. We also want our alumni to enjoy life to the fullest. To learn more about sobriety and relapse prevention, call Driftwood Recovery today at (512) 759-8330.