Addiction Recovery Services 2: Holding Space for Recovery During the Upcoming Holiday Season
The holiday season can feel overwhelming to navigate when you are in recovery from addiction. In the midst of all the holiday excitement and joy, you experience waves of stress and anxiety as you wonder…will my old behaviors re-emerge? Will I relapse? Those in recovery may feel even more triggered and overwhelmed during the holiday season because of the anxiety behind the unknown and the fact that you may be thrown out of your routine of attending meetings or treatment. You might think to yourself…
Will people judge me if I do not drink?
I am fearful I won’t be fun without drinking or using my drug of choice.
I am stressed about being around family members who still drink.
As anxious as you might be feeling right now, I want to assure you that it is absolutely possible for you to keep your sobriety during the holiday season.
There are steps that you can take to stay healthy and safe as the holidays approach. Here are some tips and strategies below to help you prepare, avoid relapse and protect you from triggering situations.
As simple as it sounds it can be challenging to remember to plan ahead with a sobriety safety plan. We know that family, work or friend gatherings are often soaked in alcohol and you may be offered a drink. Plan ahead for this uncomfortable situation by having pre-planned responses, like “I am not drinking tonight,” “I have an early day tomorrow,” or “yes, I would love a drink! Could you get me water or a soda?”. If you have some strategies ready to go in advance, it will be easier for you to navigate the situation. Other tactics you can add to your plan can also include inviting a sober friend to come with you, attending a twelve-step meeting before or make a plan with your sponsor to talk on the phone. Whatever you need to support yourself during this time of year, should be incorporated into your safety plan!
Stay helpful by looking for opportunities to be of service. Maybe you serve a meal at a local shelter. Perhaps you make the extra effort to reach out to a newcomer at a meeting. Whatever it may be, there are millions of ways to give back, pay it forward and be of service. Take the opportunity to connect with others during this holiday season!
Just say no if you feel uncomfortable. If you do not feel comfortable going to a gathering or an event, give yourself the permission to say no.
Look up meetings in the area beforehand, especially if you are traveling during the holidays and into the New Year!
Practice self-care throughout the holidays by finding time to fuel yourself. Whether you choose to engage in gentle exercise, getting better sleep or engaging in personal reflection by connecting with yourself, find time each day to take care of yourself, even if it is for a few minutes.
Avoid triggers that you know can interfere with your sobriety. If you know certain environments or individuals trigger you, try your best to avoid them. Don’t feel that you have to put yourself in a situation to make others happy, your sobriety and recovery comes first, even during the holidays!
Host your own sober holiday this year by starting new traditions! Maybe you invite friends over for cookie decorating or gingerbread house making. Perhaps you spend time with others by looking at holiday light displays or going ice skating! There are so many other activities to do during the holiday season that have nothing to do with substances!
Adopt a new attitude this holiday season by giving thanks and having an attitude of gratitude! It is important for you to take space to show yourself gratitude toward your sobriety and sober life. So, maybe you set an intention or goal of writing down 3 things you are grateful for and refer back to them when you feel you need additional support!
It is easy to get overwhelmed by the holiday season, especially when you are in recovery and trying to remain sober.
However, there are many things that you can do to mentally and emotionally prepare yourself for the challenge of staying sober! Just remember to give yourself grace, use your sober safety tools, have a sober safety plan in place and remember to have fun. Lastly, be in the present moment with loved ones when you can. Whether that is enjoying food, being present in conversation, playing games or just relishing in the company of others, throw yourself into the present moment of what is happening right in front of you.
