If you or a loved one is experiencing any of these warning signs, it’s essential to seek help immediately. Reach out to a sponsor, therapist, or support group for guidance and support. Even when the holidays seem like an opportunity to take time away from your recovery journey, that’s probably when you need Halfway house to put extra effort into it. Plus, there are a variety of ways you can enjoy the holidays even more when sober. For most people, the holidays are a time of joy and celebration.
Engage in Creative Activities
Remember that recovery is not a perfect process, and it’s okay to make mistakes. You’re doing the best you can, and that’s something to be proud of. It’s okay to take things one step at a time and prioritize your own needs. You’re not alone in your recovery journey, and there are people who care about you and want to support you. It’s okay to ask for help and seek support when you need it. Regular exercise, balanced meals, and sufficient sleep are essential to your mental and physical health.
Alcohol-Free Christmas Activities for Enjoyment
You may want to join in on the holiday festivities, but at the same time feel concerned about getting carried away. Being surrounded by others who are drinking, and possibly encouraging you to drink as well, can be immensely triggering and dangerous to your sobriety. Contact us today to schedule a consultation or learn more about how we can help. Together, we can create a plan to keep you grounded and thriving this holiday season. An estimated 40% to 60% of people who receive treatment for substance abuse experience relapse at some point.
Difficult Memories
Jay Bridwell, a recovery counselor at Red Rock Behavioral Health in Oklahoma City, often uses the acronym HALT with patients in addiction recovery. If you are “Hungry, Angry, Lonely or Tired,” he says, you may be more likely to reach for alcohol. Whether it’s frying up latkes for Hanukkah, or crafting Christmas ornaments around the fireplace, there are many holiday traditions that don’t require a buzz. Consider playing board games, watching holiday movies, or taking a stroll to gaze at the beautiful lights. If you’ve been sober a long time, you may already have a go-to answer when confronted about why you don’t drink alcohol. Still, it never hurts to jot down a few more polite responses in your playbook.
Amidst the busyness of the season, practicing gratitude can be a powerful anchor for your sobriety. The holidays can get pretty frenzied and it’s too easy to let yourself get stressed and tired out and to run around all day without taking the time to eat or exercise. Take care of yourself sober holidays first and everything else will fall into place. And if family dinners are always stressful affairs, then remember, that you don’t have to go…
- Our hope is merely to capture the spirit of the fellowships, and to approach people with the language they commonly use to describe the disease of addiction.
- Her mother-in-law makes hateful comments in Julie’s direction regarding everything from her parenting to her weight.
- Take an honest look at upcoming holiday events and whether it’s healthy to attend.
- Once you process these pent-up feelings, you can break down your defensive walls and approach the holidays from a better place — which can help you avoid a relapse.
Whether you’re facing holiday-specific challenges or navigating your overall recovery journey, we’re here to guide you. The pressure to be cheerful despite feeling overwhelmed or sad can make addiction struggles more challenging to manage. A “Dry Holiday” is a holiday or celebration where alcohol is intentionally excluded or avoided. This concept can apply to individuals in recovery, people who choose not to drink for personal or health reasons, or communities and events that prioritize substance-free environments.
Residential Addiction Treatment Center
- Calling the number is free and confidential, but treatment services may involve costs depending on your insurance coverage and the level of care required.
- By planning ahead, managing triggers, and finding new ways to celebrate, you’re setting yourself up for a truly memorable holiday.
- While joyful for some, family gatherings can stir up old emotions or unresolved conflicts, creating an emotional minefield.
- Recognizing these triggers helps you prepare, making it easier to avoid risky situations.
Consider reaching out for regular check-ins or arranging small, sober gatherings with them during the holiday period. If you need addiction treatment in Columbus, Ohio, contact Dove Recovery. We offer substance abuse treatment, mental health services, aftercare options, and more, and we accept most insurance plans. Remember, staying sober during the holidays doesn’t have to feel like a battle. With a solid plan, a little humor, and some support, you can handle anything that comes your way. If you ever need extra help, Affect’s app is always there for you.
Relapse among people with substance use https://dulichdanang24h.com/hypertension-how-just-1-alcohol-drink-a-day-may/ disorder is not uncommon. Addiction relapse may be identifiable by physical signs of substance use, changes in behavior, or other cognitive or emotional symptoms of intoxication. On the other hand, identifying your triggers and strategies to manage them puts that power back in your hands. Ignoring triggers leaves you more susceptible to their influence in recovery, and allows them to maintain power over you. Writing down your plans ahead of time can give you a roadmap for what to do when and if you encounter specific situations.
Many people have activities or interests that help keep them balanced. Some triggers can be more general, like being at a bar, while others can be very personal to your own experience, such as being with someone you used to drink heavily with. Spend time with people who you feel comfortable around, people who lift you up instead of bringing you down.
At Ria, we offer weekly meetings with certified counselors to help members stay on track and build skills for long-term change. She specializes in complex trauma treatment, anxiety disorders, substance addiction, and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). By recognizing these potential pitfalls, you can take proactive steps to safeguard your sobriety and fully embrace the season’s positive aspects. If you’re currently dealing with addiction issues that the holidays will make worse, consider seeking help at an addiction or rehab center. Your sobriety comes first, and you don’t have to participate in parties or interact with folks you think will cause you harm.
