Staying Sober During The Holidays: 12 Tips

If you are interested in discussing a sober vacation please contact us at CATCH Recovery. We will take your details and pass them over to our holiday providers who can contact you directly. Start by revisiting strategies that have worked for in the past and ensure these are front and center on my list. This may involve brainstorming and possibly discussing options with a counselor. The collaboration can reveal insights that might have missed if you go it alone.

Tips to Staying Clean and Sober during the Holidays

Not ordering alcohol had no effect on the way I was treated. The servers did not care whether I drank or not, which is very different from the reception I receive in the U.S. Here, where tipping is a significant portion of sober holidays pay, the check total matters. There, where tips are more nominal, they could care less. In fact, study after study shows that volunteering improves mood, increases self-esteem, and provides a sense of connection.

• If you’re part of a mutual support program, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, or some other peer group, consider donating your time and expertise.
• Are you sober and single, and facing the opening of holiday celebrations after the long pandemic siege?
• So why put yourself in the position of having to «power through» an obstacle course of relapse triggers?
• Finally, the holidays have a way of bringing forth emotional memories and unresolved issues.

Create new holiday traditions

• And if feeling especially strained, turn to healthy stress coping mechanisms like yoga, a walk outside, journaling – or even a pampering spa treatment.
• The urge is like a wave that peaks in intensity but will pass.
• Then you can break down those defensive walls and forgive other people, and you can approach the holiday season with a stronger sense of gratitude.
• Drinking triggers are unique to each individual and it can be hard to resist the urge to partake when they crop up.
• With a solid plan in place, individuals in recovery are equipped to face the season head-on.

Arm yourself with strategies and routines that fortify mental and emotional well-being. Control over departure from parties and activities is key to maintaining sobriety. Alcohol has been the central focus of holiday celebrations since the medieval age – or before. The key https://ecosoberhouse.com/ lies in untangling past experiences and expectations from the festivities today.

Recognize your triggers

For example, some people use non-alcoholic alternatives as a way to explore new flavors, but for others, these drinks might be triggers for certain cravings and behaviors. Instead, focus on the delicious holiday foods, the laughter, the decorations, and the joyous atmosphere around you. Being present in the moment allows you to fully appreciate any holiday experience. Practicing gratitude can shift your focus to the positive aspects of your life and the holiday season.

Confront Unrealistic Expectations

Here\’s to celebrating your strength and the beauty of sober moments. At each of Seabrook’s award-winning addiction treatment centers in New Jersey, our dedicated staff offers alumni every opportunity to enjoy recovery and life every day of the year. If you’d like to connect with other people who have created new ways to celebrate the season, take advantage of Seabrook’s alumni services.

ways to be safe and happy when you’re single and sober

We know the challenges of maintaining sobriety during holidays. We would like to share some insights on how to remain sober when holiday celebrations are in full swing. Alternatively, you could invite a sober companion to support you throughout the night. Lastly, we recommend having a ready response for why you’re not drinking. It may sound simple, but knowing what you’re going to say ahead of time will allow you to navigate social situations with confidence. Anticipation, on the other hand, is living with a loose grip and being willing to accept the gift that is the moment at hand.

• Add these stressors to the steady flow of alcohol present at most holiday events and alcoholics in recovery have the perfect storm for relapse brewing.
• Instead, talk it out with your sponsor or sober friends.
• Remember, urges will pass and this time of year will pass.
• Here, where tipping is a significant portion of pay, the check total matters.
• Consider playing board games, watching holiday movies, or taking a stroll to gaze at the beautiful lights.