And on the twelfth day of the holiday season, my true love gave to me… the gift of recovery—strength, support, and the courage to enjoy a sober, joyful season! Use Affect’s app daily to check in with your goals, track your progress, and join group therapy sessions for support. The app’s tools and community can help you stay focused on your sobriety every day of the year. You’re making new habits, and habits are formed with little actions every day. Once you get through the season, take some time to review which coping strategies Sober living house worked well over the holidays and which didn’t.
- Before you leave, take some time to research local Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meetings at your destination.
- This is one of the most important of the 10 tips for staying sober during the holidays—and one many people overlook.
- Focus on the many positive things you have going on in your life rather than obsessing on the few negative things.
- At Ria, we offer weekly meetings with certified counselors to help members stay on track and build skills for long-term change.
On the Fifth Day of the Sober Holidays: Avoid Triggers
The holiday season is marketed as bright and cheerful on the surface, but statistics tell a different story. If you’re feeling isolated, overwhelmed or tempted to use, reach out. Hazelden Betty Ford is here for you—with science-backed care, compassionate experts and a community that understands. Try journaling, meditation or even a short walk to help improve and maintain your mental wellness.
Understanding Holiday-Related Mental Health Risks
Empower Recovery Homes is dedicated to providing safe and supportive transitional sober housing for individuals on their recovery journey. Our mission is to foster a nurturing community that offers a second chance, camaraderie, and accountability. Contact your treatment provider, therapist, or a facility like New Choices Treatment Center if you notice these patterns intensifying. Building new, meaningful traditions provides a powerful foundation to stay sober during the holidays while discovering joy beyond alcohol-centered celebrations. Incorporate meditation or mindfulness techniques into your routine to create mental space between triggers and reactions.
Addictions
Using an effective coping skill to stay sober over the holidays is self-care. Discovering sober holidays what coping skills to use during the holidays in order to stay sober and practicing them should be a number one priority for someone working on their recovery. Anticipate potential comments, practice saying no confidently, and spend time with supportive individuals. If you feel socially excluded or lack support, a sober living community can provide the sense of belonging and connection necessary to sustain sobriety.
- At Gambit Recovery, we offer a structured, community-based sober living program that supports accountability, equips you with life skills, and helps you build a fulfilling, substance-free life.
- People in recovery may be more at risk if they are estranged from their families or lack a support system.
- Instead of ignoring these difficult emotions, we encourage you to face them with support.
- By taking deliberate steps to protect your recovery, you can participate in the festivities while maintaining your sobriety.
- Our dedicated team of addiction specialists is here to develop a customized outpatient treatment plan designed to give you the support and structure you need for a sober holiday experience.
Refusing alcohol may create uncomfortable situations because alcohol’s socially accepted connotation is connected to having fun. If you want real, lasting change in how holidays feel (not just surviving them but actually enjoying sober holidays), you have to start replacing the old drinking rituals with new, sober ones. Self-care acts as a protective foundation when you work to stay sober during the holidays. The demands of the season can drain your physical and emotional resources, making you more susceptible to cravings and relapse. This guide is your practical plan for navigating the weeks ahead. We will provide 20 actionable tips to help you manage triggers, set boundaries, and not only protect your sobriety but genuinely find joy in the season.
If you know that eggnog makes you want to drink, then don’t have any around the house. And if you’re going to a party with alcohol, eat something beforehand, so you’re not tempted to drink on an empty stomach. There is also the fact that many holiday celebrations revolve around alcohol. It can be hard to avoid drinking from office parties to New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Seek Professional Support When Needed
For most people, the holidays are a time of joy and celebration. But for those struggling with substance use disorder, these months can bring everything but tidings of comfort and joy. Staying sober during the holidays is both achievable and empowering. With some thoughtful preparation, meaningful connections, and a commitment to self-care, you can fully enjoy every celebration. As the season unfolds, remember that joy doesn’t come from the contents of your glass but from the connections you nurture and the memories you create.