Sobriety First Over the Holidays
The Christmas trees, the family planning and gathering, the gift giving, the cooking and baking, the decorations, the light strands … depending on your outlook, this list may bring some warm fuzzy feelings.
Orrr … just as likely, it brings a bit of fist-clinching, staple-gun-throwing anxiety.
Yes. It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Of course, it is.
Yet, the bleak month of December, with all its holiday accoutrements, also has a distinct potential to carry a bit of luggage. It might even drive us to the brink. And for anyone recovering from a substance use disorder, the brink means “the drink.” Or the drug. Whatever you take to numb the world and the season.
It’s important to recognize this: holidays are not exactly safe zones for people in recovery.
That said, it’s not a prison or drudgery or agony. It can still be incredible. Here’s the rule of thumb: put sobriety first during the holidays; the joy will follow. Or the difficulties, or the family feuds, or whatever.
The point is, sobriety first over the holiday, and you can thrive through the season. Even make it merry.
Here are some tips for staying sober over the holidays.
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Prioritize your sobriety
Make a commitment to yourself to stay sober and to prioritize your health and well-being. You know the reasons. Maybe this is a good time to go over them. For your family. For your health. For your future. Most likely it’s the big one: Your life depends on it. Re-commit to your life in recovery and what it means to you.
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Identify your triggers
Triggers for drug use are different for everyone and can vary depending on a person’s individual circumstances and experiences. Here are a few potential ones: negative emotions, stress, anxiety, or depression; social pressure or peer influence; environmental cues, such as certain places, people, or objects that are associated with drug use; and certain activities or events, such as parties or concerts.
Hmmm. Sound a little like Christmas? That’s right. The holidays are rife with potential triggers. Be aware. As you prepare to stay sober during the holidays, your plan should include dealing with triggers that would potentially cause a relapse.
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Keep busy.
It might sound trite, but it’s a good idea to get out there. Especially in early recovery, idle hands and idle minds can be tough to deal with for a person with a substance use disorder. It would be wise to have engaging and exciting activities each day. Here are a few options:
- Going for a walk or hike in nature.
- Practicing mindfulness or meditation
- Creating art (Bob Ross anyone?)
- Cooking or baking a festive meal for friends or family
- Doing a workout or exercise routine
- Playing a board game or card game with friends or family
- Reading a book or listening to a seasonal audiobook
- Writing in a journal or blog
- Volunteering for a cause you care about
- Host a Die Hard movie night
- Going to the holiday events in your town. Here are some things to do in Austin during the Christmas Season.
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Form new traditions.
Remember, every holiday gathering is optional. You can skip a gathering if it sabotages your recovery process. You can graciously decline an invitation to a party to protect yourself rather than show up and regret it later. In fact, you don’t even have to do it graciously. Just say, “No thanks.”
If you discover that your old traditions are no longer beneficial to you, take advantage of this holiday season to form new ones. Research and find a new local spot to hang out every year or a new favorite activity to do with your family or new circle of friends.
Starting new traditions will help you move on from past ones where drugs were involved.
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Ask for help.
If you are struggling with cravings and urges to use again, it’s important to remember that you are not alone. There are people who want to support you. One way to ask for help is to reach out to a trusted friend or family member and talk to them about your situation. Remember, asking for help is a brave and positive step toward improving your health and well-being. It could be the best thing you do this holiday season.
Staying Sober During the Holiday Season Is Your Choice
It’s important to remember staying sober during the holiday season is a choice that you have control over, and you don’t have to let alcohol or other substances control your decisions.
Stay mindful of the reasons you chose to stay sober in the first place and keep those reasons in mind during the holiday season.
It’s also a good idea to have strategies in place for dealing with potential triggers or difficult situations.
It’s also helpful to have a support system in place, such as friends or family members who can provide encouragement and accountability.
Most importantly, remember that it’s okay to ask for help if you need it. Staying sober is a worthy goal you make every day to save your life and give you hope for the future.
If you are looking for a residential rehab for men in Austin, give us a call. Our 12-Step immersion program for addiction treatment—along with options like a fitness program for addiction treatment and group therapy—helps men find freedom from drugs and alcohol, every day.
