How to Stay Sober During the Holidays: 12 Days of Sober Holiday Tips for a Joyful Season

By taking these proactive steps, you can transform travel from a potential vulnerability into an opportunity to strengthen https://ibsj.org/a-federal-grant-helps-extend-sober-housing-for/ your commitment to sobriety.

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Make sure to plan activities to keep your party enjoyable. The holidays can be stressful for anyone, but the pressure is magnified for someone in recovery. Financial strain from gift-giving, family conflicts, drug addiction treatment and the expectation to create a “perfect” holiday experience can heighten feelings of anxiety and overwhelm.

Create new traditions

This is especially important if you’re feeling lonely or isolated. There are plenty of online and in-person support groups available for people in recovery during the holidays. Also, sober holidays reach out to friends and family members who support your sobriety. Regardless of your why, staying sober during the holidays can be especially arduous. “Everything about the season is designed to nudge you toward the easy answer,” says Basel. It may spur them to examine their own relationship with alcohol.

Bring Your Own Non-Alcoholic Drink

For people with substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders, such as addiction and depression, drinking or drug use may have been a way to self-medicate. It’s common for people who are in addiction recovery to feel heightened anxiety regarding their sobriety around the holidays. This guide has covered proactive planning, setting boundaries, using in-the-moment coping skills, leaning on your support system, and creating new traditions. Navigating the holiday season in recovery is a testament to your strength and commitment to a healthier life. By implementing these Tips for Staying Sober During the Holidays, you’re not just surviving; you’re thriving. This reduces awkwardness and prevents you from feeling put on the spot.

• For many, these emotions were historically managed through substance use, making them significant relapse risks.
• Mindfulness has become a widely used coping mechanism and is a great recovery skill in general.
• However, chaos can make you feel overwhelmed and stressed out.