If you’ve slipped more than once, this might be a sign you need additional support, such as more frequent counseling sessions or an intensive outpatient program. If you have had one slip, or especially if you’ve had multiple slips, it’s important to recognize not only that this sober holidays happened, but that you don’t have to face it alone. If you have had a slip, or a series of slips, over the holidays, the most important thing you can do is talk to someone about it. Have a bedtime routine that allows you enough time to process what happened during the day.
Individuals and families receive services at the most convenient location for them. New Vista has four anchor centers that provide a full range of services in Boyle, Fayette, Madison and Scott counties. The anchor centers are surrounded by satellite offices in neighboring counties.
Make Some Holiday Crafts
If everyone starts talking about the “good old days,” leave the room. You don’t want to change your focus to thoughts of your drinking or using days. That can lead to preoccupation and obsession, and then to cravings. Keep your focus on your life right now, your life in recovery.
Family members expect holiday perfection, and they often demand every ounce of your time and energy—and patience. The family menu is a constant carb-load, and traveling puts a strain on your wallet. Packed airports, tight schedules, liquid lunch for Aunt Sally.
Benefits of Living a Drug-Free Lifestyle
Keep an eye out for H.A.L.T. triggers — those moments when you feel hungry, angry, lonely, or tired, as they can be precursors to relapse. Depending on how you’re feeling, give yourself whatever you need, whether it’s a quick snack, a brisk walk around the block, or simply a 20-minute power nap. This https://ecosoberhouse.com/ article will show you how to stay sober during the holidays. By putting these 10 strategies into action, you can face the yuletide season with confidence and resilience. If you live in a colder climate, build a snowman, make snow angels, or even get in a friendly snowball fight if you’re up for it!
- Label each container with the contents, making it simple to find what you need when it’s time to decorate.
- None of them are a good excuse to drink or drug— they’re an excuse to spend quality time with loved ones and spread holiday cheer to others.
- The holidays aren’t just about celebrating — they’re also often about giving gifts.
- Many of the biggest holidays in the U.S. — Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve — take place relatively close together, bringing people together often to celebrate.
- These symptoms might increase your desire to use alcohol or drugs in an attempt to self-medicate and alleviate the unpleasant feelings.
- When we aren’t posting here, we build programs to help people quit drinking.
The pressures and high expectations we place on the holiday season sometimes cause us to feel overwhelmed with stress and anxiety rather than merriment. Many people want to support their loved ones, friends, and coworkers on their sobriety journey. “Don’t hesitate to let the host or close friends know about your commitment to sobriety,” Sultan said. “Most will be understanding and might even make accommodations for you.” Before the holiday madness begins, it’s a good idea to declutter and clean your home. Go through each room and identify items that you no longer need or use.
Lend a Helping Hand
Everyone has a wish list for the holidays, but far too often that list becomes a set of expectations rather than wants. When we live in a state of expectation, we will almost always be disappointed. Not only do our expectations serve to rob us of the joy of the moment, but they also have a way of getting transmitted to those around us. Expectations set the stage for our feelings of entitlement. Nothing can lead us to entitlement faster than resentments.
- If you’ve been misusing alcohol or drugs for a while, your brain may need several months or even longer to set itself right.
- In fact, study after study shows that volunteering improves mood, increases self-esteem, and provides a sense of connection.
- If the office New Year’s party is really all about drinking or other drug use, make a brief appearance or don’t attend.
- The stress of finding the perfect gift, or budgeting for gifts, can be a trigger for people in recovery, as stress in general is a common relapse trigger.
- Instead, it’s about taking proactive measures to safeguard your well-being and maintain your commitment to sobriety.