The holiday season can be a time of joy, connection, and celebration, but for those in recovery, it also brings unique challenges. Holiday parties often involve alcohol and other substances, potentially threatening your commitment to sobriety. However, with the right strategies and mindset, you can navigate these gatherings while staying sober. Here are some tips to help you stay sober and still enjoy the holidays.
Have a Plan
Before attending a holiday party, think through your approach to staying sober. Identify potential triggers and decide how you will handle them. For example:
- Set a time limit for how long you plan to stay at the event.
- Bring your own non-alcoholic drink to avoid being offered something you don’t want.
- Prepare a polite but firm response for declining alcohol, such as, “I’m sticking with water tonight.”
Bring a Support System
Attending a party with a trusted friend or family member who understands your commitment to sobriety can be invaluable. They can offer support, help steer conversations away from uncomfortable topics, or simply provide a grounding presence.
Know Your Triggers
Recognize the situations, people, or emotions that might tempt you to use substances. By being aware of your triggers, you can proactively avoid them or have strategies ready to manage them. If you know certain environments are too risky, it’s okay to skip the party altogether.
Practice Self-Care
The holidays can be stressful, and stress can be a significant trigger for relapse. Make self-care a priority:
- Engage in activities that bring you peace, such as meditation, exercise, or spending time with supportive loved ones.
- Get enough sleep.
- Maintain a healthy diet.
Have an Exit Strategy
If you start to feel uncomfortable or triggered during the party, have a plan to leave. Drive yourself so you have control over when you can go, or arrange for a ride ahead of time. It’s okay to prioritize your sobriety over social obligations. Looking for more tips for handling triggers? Addiction specialist Hunter Bickers, LPC, CMAC, M.Ed gives more strategies here.
Seek Out Sober-Friendly Events
Not all holiday celebrations revolve around alcohol. Look for events that focus on family activities, volunteering, or other sober-friendly themes. You might even host your own gathering, where you can create a safe and supportive environment.
Lean on Your Support Network
Stay connected with your recovery community during the holiday season. Attend extra meetings, reach out to your sponsor, or talk with friends who understand your journey. Sharing your concerns and successes can help keep you grounded.
Focus on the Meaning of the Season
Shift your focus to what the holidays truly mean to you, whether that’s spending time with loved ones, giving back to the community, or reflecting on your personal growth. By centering your energy on meaningful activities, you can reduce the emphasis on substance use in social settings.
Celebrate Your Sobriety
The holidays are a time for celebration—including celebrating your sobriety. Take pride in your progress and use this season as an opportunity to reflect on how far you’ve come. Reward yourself with a meaningful activity or treat as a reminder of your hard work.
Know It’s Okay to Say No
You are not obligated to attend every holiday party or gathering. Your recovery comes first, and it’s perfectly acceptable to decline invitations that may put your sobriety at risk. Politely but firmly say no and prioritize activities that align with your goals.
Start Receiving Support From Therapists in Savannah, GA
The holiday season can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to derail your recovery. Give us a call today, 912.319.5552. A licensed therapist or counselor can provide guidance, validation, and coping strategies tailored to your unique needs and circumstances. Therapy can offer a safe space to explore your feelings, fears, and uncertainties, as well as develop practical skills for managing stress, anxiety, and depression. Our team would be honored to offer support from our Savannah, GA-based practice. You can start your therapy journey by giving us a call at 912.319.5552 or emailing us at [email protected].
Other Services Offered With Water’s Edge Counseling
We understand that you may experience issues with more than one mental health concern at a time. This is why we are happy to offer support with a variety of mental health services. Our team is happy to offer support with multiple mental health services including online counseling, clinical supervision, coping after a cancer diagnosis, and SCAD student counseling. We are also happy to offer therapy for anxiety, depression, eating disorders, substance abuse, teen substance abuse, and counseling for men. In addition, we also offer counseling for teens, child counseling, family counseling, Christian counseling, grief counseling, and marriage counseling.
Please note: While this blog is designed to help people achieve their goals, the information within each post is not a substitute for therapy or medical advice given by a licensed professional.