It will only serve to encourage you to continue to drown your sorrows in drugs or alcohol. Instead of doing this, be gentle on your emotions while being firm in your resolve to fix the problem before it gets any worse and take steps immediately to do so. One of the most unfortunate aspects https://quanganhstudio.com/oxford-house-traditions-what-i-wish-i-knew-before-2/ of relapse is that those who succumb to them allow themselves to wallow in guilt and shame. This is the last thing someone in this position should be doing. All information is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
- A great practice is taking at least half an hour to an hour of your day for this “me time”.
- For people both new and old to sobriety, holidays can be stressful.
- At Meridian HealthCare, we know that addiction recovery involves more than willpower; it’s about treating the whole person.
- An addiction requires energy and patience to overcome, so be kind to yourself on this journey and take care of your mind and body.
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- If you know a certain person or event will push your limits, skip it.
- The holidays can stir up emotions and situations that might trigger cravings.
- “(Resentment) destroys more alcoholics than anything else.” That’s from the Big Book, the Basic Text of Alcoholics Anonymous, published in 1939.
Feel free to share this guide with others in your community—it might be what they need to get through the season. This website utilizes various technologies that are meant to make it sober holidays as accessible as possible at all times. We utilize an accessibility interface that allows persons with specific disabilities to adjust the website’s UI (user interface) and design it to their personal needs. Holiday stress can accelerate this progression, making awareness and early intervention necessary.
Mental Health
Become familiar with the challenges that arise to be able to better empathize and communicate with your loved one. “(Resentment) destroys more alcoholics than anything else.” That’s from the Big Book, the Basic Text of Alcoholics Anonymous, published in 1939. Many AA and NA chapters hold special events and meetings every hour on the holidays, on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and round the clock on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. It’s an active blueprint, my game plan, and I deliberately prepare for what might alcoholism symptoms knock me off the beam. Think back to when you were in school or work, and you practiced a fire drill.
Tips to Surviving the Holidays Sober
There are many activities to enjoy during the holidays that do not involve drugs or alcohol. Preparation is a key strategy for relapse prevention. Instead of dreading the onset of a holiday, spend the time planning, thinking through possible outcomes, and what to do in response.
Surviving the Holidays: Tips for Staying Healthy and Sober
- The holidays are a source of heightened tension and stress for almost everyone, not only those in recovery.
- If you are new to recovery, staying hydrated and having drinks that are sugary and taste good, such as soda, hot cocoa, or eggnog, can help you resist cravings.
- Or, more generally, we may get frozen in our stress.
Worries about gifts or the pressure to be cheerful can be draining. It’s okay to acknowledge these feelings and prioritize your peace. For more strategies, explore resources on How to avoid a relapse during stressful times. Family dynamics can also be a major source of stress. Holiday gatherings can bring up old conflicts, and unsupportive relatives might create uncomfortable situations, leading to feelings of judgment. Setting firm emotional boundaries is key to protecting your peace.
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