Staying sober from drugs and alcohol during the holidays, for some, is only half the battle for staying grounded and secure in recovery. Drinking, or using drugs, can be a pastime that’s taken for granted among friends and family. But it can alienate people who are sober, and that sense of isolation can become another trigger. These are just a few of the tips we discuss in our latest podcast episode, where we share even more strategies and insights to help you stay grounded in your sobriety throughout the holiday season.

What Are Signs Of Addiction Relapse?

• So why put yourself in the position of having to “power through” an obstacle course of relapse triggers?
• Find ways to simplify or eliminate travel plans and keep visits relatively short (or not at all).
• Finally, having an escape plan, such as driving yourself to events, ensures you can leave if the situation becomes overwhelming.

However, some facilities alcoholism treatment may offer reduced sessions or reduced time spent at the facility throughout the holiday season. Fortunately, many recovery programs know that temptations only get stronger during the holidays. This is why most facilities offer support group meetings, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, to help keep one another accountable for their sobriety. If you’re facing challenges with your mental health or are new to recovery, focus on spending time with people who make you feel safe and supported. You don’t need the added stress of putting on a brave face for people who don’t honor where you’re at. Research has shown that negative social support can hinder sustained recovery (Kitzinger et al., 2023).

What Are Common Triggers During The Holidays?

So, how can you stay firmly grounded in your sobriety this holiday season? In our latest podcast episode, we dive deep into this question, offering practical tips and real-world strategies drawn from personal experience and the wisdom of the recovery community. Celebrate the holiday season and the fullness of your sober life by taking time for yourself. Proper nutrition, gentle exercise and restorative sleep can do wonders for your well-being. The better you feel physically, the stronger you will be emotionally.

How to Stay Sober During the Holidays

• For example, we easily throw good sleep habits out the window when we are vacationing.
• Given that the pandemic has been connected to an increase in drinking and substance use across the country, people may be using more heavily this season.
• Taking this even further, it can be helpful to let ourselves focus on all our senses.
• Before diving into solutions, it’s essential to understand the specific challenges that can arise during the holiday season.
• Local and state resources for substance abuse and addiction can vary according to where you live.

The holiday season may bring its challenges, but it also offers an opportunity to grow, reflect, and strengthen your recovery. By preparing for potential triggers, prioritizing self-care, building a strong support system, and embracing new, meaningful traditions, you can navigate this time of year with confidence and purpose. If you or a loved one needs additional https://mozon360.com/wordpress/index.php/2022/12/15/how-to-clean-your-system-detoxing-off-drugs/ support during the holiday season or at any time in your recovery journey, Swift River is here to help. Our compassionate team understands the unique challenges of maintaining sobriety and is ready to provide the support and resources you need.

Together, we can help you stay on the path to lasting recovery. If the holiday season feels overwhelming, it’s okay to ask for additional support. At Porch Light Health, we specialize in providing various types of support to help individuals manage their recovery effectively. Whether you need to talk through challenges, adjust your treatment plan, or access resources, we’re here to help. With a busier schedule, it’s more difficult to maintain a regular recovery routine.

The main advantages of residential alcohol and drug rehab

• Spending time with family members and friends can make you feel uncomfortable, stressed, and almost on-the-edge.
• A person in recovery may feel torn about going in the first place, especially because work events are often mandatory.
• When we’re triggered our ability to think clearly is compromised.

Instead of dreading the onset of a holiday, spend the time planning, thinking through possible outcomes, and what to reframing holidays in early recovery do in response. Winter holidays like Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and New Year’s Eve may involve stress, which for people in recovery, can be a trigger. The winter holidays can be difficult if you are new to sobriety, or if you tend to have a more difficult time with mental health during the winter months. Feelings of loneliness can be triggering for people in recovery, even if they have a solid social support system.