Being prepared for the holiday events this month can bolster your sense of self-efficacy during the recovery process and help you begin the process of re-learning to trust yourself. Crafting your holiday relapse prevention plan will help you anticipate your every move, so you can stay away from the substances that once caused you irreparable harm. Getting through the end-of-year holidays while maintaining recovery, especially for people newer to this life-changing drug addiction treatment process, is an important accomplishment—one worthy of celebration in its own right. It’s important to know that the holidays don’t have to feel like a celebration. You can give yourself permission to simply be where you are emotionally. Give yourself a break by letting go of the need to meet the expectations of others.
Recent addiction articles
- A bit of “me time” with activities like meditation, deep breathing, or even some chill yoga can be game-changers.
- Balance, sobriety, health and a mindful approach for a lasting recovery.
- We believe everyone deserves access to accurate, unbiased information about mental health and recovery.
- The holidays present a perfect opportunity to reach into your recovery toolbox and use any and all of these tools.
- Seize this wonderful opportunity to cultivate joy and connect with loved ones while also caring for your mental health.
- Give yourself a break by letting go of the need to meet the expectations of others.
It’s easy enough to pick up the phone, and you will find yourself feeling better as https://ecosoberhouse.com/ well. Routines offer structure, keep you grounded, and help ensure you’re prioritizing yourself. You may need to leave a party early or decline an invitation if it conflicts with a self-care activity.
- Using self-comforting activities like diving into hobbies, taking walks in the park, or sticking with your support squad can ease these nagging emotions.
- It’s unrealistic in all of these scenarios to say, “I can soldier through it.” That’s what Step One of the Twelve Steps teaches us, right?
- Our clinical and medical experts, ranging from licensed therapists and counselors to psychiatric nurse practitioners, author our content, in partnership with our editorial team.
- Learn how to tell if your child is vaping, understand the risks, and start a supportive conversation.
- Think of a tight support network like your personal bubble wrap, keeping your recovery safe and sound during the festivities.
How to stay sober during holidays, events, and special occasions
It’s important for individuals and families in early recovery to keep reframing holidays in early recovery open communication with each other so everyone can enjoy the holidays together. For many of us, the holidays are a season of peace and joy, where we decorate our memories with calm and happy moments. The first obstacle that often comes up is the holiday office party.
Strategies for Beating Holiday Triggers
I’ve worked with many people in recovery who tell me that coworkers can look at them as if they have a third eye, or as if they have just sprouted wings, if they decline an alcoholic beverage. Many have trouble just being around alcohol, not to mention the unchecked inebriation that can occur at these parties. The holiday season revolves around unrelenting themes of gratitude, abundance, and celebration. If you or a loved one is recovering from addiction, you can reduce the risk of relapse by acknowledging the triggers, finding healthy ways to cope, and seeking out additional support. But first, here are nine of the most common holiday addiction triggers to be wary of.
Healthy boundaries and clear communication can help start the holiday season with a clean slate for forging future connections. So whether or not your holidays are all the way happy, here’s to a holiday season that is healthy in recovery. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, don’t hesitate to seek help and support.
- As a mental health occupational therapist, I work with many clients who feel stressed and overwhelmed this time of year.
- I’ve compiled a few tips to help you find peace and maybe even enjoy the season.
- Trauma can be the loss of connection to one’s self as well as well as the loss of critical psychological connectedness between humans.
- Many worry about family dinners, and purchasing presents as the holidays quickly approach.
