The holidays can be an emotional time for anybody, especially if you are in early sobriety. Expectations, parties and time spent with family are situations particularly trying when you are establishing new patterns of behavior in recovery. How do you act at a party? What if someone offers you a drink? These are a few of the issues you may face as the holiday season approaches. Don’t worry, though. If you plan ahead and follow these tips, the holidays can be a joyous time free from drugs or alcohol.
Take care of yourself
Make sure you eat consciously and get enough rest during this time. Get plenty of exercise and take time to relax. Positive choices for your health lead to emotional health as well.
Make sure you eat consciously and get enough rest during this time. Get plenty of exercise and take time to relax. Positive choices for your health lead to emotional health as well.
Have a plan
If you are going to a gathering where there will be alcohol, have an exit strategy. Have a place to go after the party. Perhaps an AA meeting or a visit with a friend after the party will be just what you need. Find a safe place to go and just breathe. Let a sober friend know you may be calling them. If you feel stressed or pressured, a friendly voice can make a world of difference. Give yourself a curfew. Share your plan with others before you go.
If you are going to a gathering where there will be alcohol, have an exit strategy. Have a place to go after the party. Perhaps an AA meeting or a visit with a friend after the party will be just what you need. Find a safe place to go and just breathe. Let a sober friend know you may be calling them. If you feel stressed or pressured, a friendly voice can make a world of difference. Give yourself a curfew. Share your plan with others before you go.
Stay grateful
What things, large or small, are better about your life now that you are sober? Do you have new friends? Closer relationships with your family? Do you feel better physically? A written gratitude list can bolster your resolve to stay sober.
What things, large or small, are better about your life now that you are sober? Do you have new friends? Closer relationships with your family? Do you feel better physically? A written gratitude list can bolster your resolve to stay sober.
Try new things
If the traditional things you do during the holidays are triggers for you, try doing something different. Go to a movie. Go ice-skating. Volunteer to help others in need. New behavior patterns can strengthen new thinking.
If the traditional things you do during the holidays are triggers for you, try doing something different. Go to a movie. Go ice-skating. Volunteer to help others in need. New behavior patterns can strengthen new thinking.
Bring a sober friend
Having a sober companion is one of the best ways to face social situations where there may be alcohol. Your common goal and accountability will make you both stronger in the face of temptation.
Having a sober companion is one of the best ways to face social situations where there may be alcohol. Your common goal and accountability will make you both stronger in the face of temptation.
It’s okay to tell others you are in recovery
If you are pressured by your friends, it’s alright to tell them you are in recovery and can’t drink. You may be pleasantly surprised at their support and understanding. Practice what you are going to say so you’ll feel comfortable with your message.
If you are pressured by your friends, it’s alright to tell them you are in recovery and can’t drink. You may be pleasantly surprised at their support and understanding. Practice what you are going to say so you’ll feel comfortable with your message.
Hold a non-alcoholic drink
If you have a glass in your hand like everybody else you will feel more comfortable. Others are less likely to offer you alcohol too.
If you have a glass in your hand like everybody else you will feel more comfortable. Others are less likely to offer you alcohol too.
You don’t have to go!
Know your limits. If going to the party or gathering is just too stressful right now, don’t go. People will understand. Put your sobriety first.
Know your limits. If going to the party or gathering is just too stressful right now, don’t go. People will understand. Put your sobriety first.
Dance! Mingle! Have fun!
Just because you aren’t drinking doesn’t mean you can’t still have fun. You may find that these situations can be even more fun sober. Plus, there will be no hangover!
Just because you aren’t drinking doesn’t mean you can’t still have fun. You may find that these situations can be even more fun sober. Plus, there will be no hangover!
Help others
There is always someone else who needs help around this time. Volunteer at a soup kitchen. Give a ride to someone who is newly sober. Wash dishes at the party. If you can focus on others, you will think less about drugs or alcohol.
There is always someone else who needs help around this time. Volunteer at a soup kitchen. Give a ride to someone who is newly sober. Wash dishes at the party. If you can focus on others, you will think less about drugs or alcohol.
Spend lots of time with other people
Avoid isolation. Time spent with sober friends or family will calm your thoughts and keep you accountable for your actions.
Avoid isolation. Time spent with sober friends or family will calm your thoughts and keep you accountable for your actions.
Offer to be the designated driver.
Stay safe by keeping others safe.
Stay safe by keeping others safe.
