The holidays are a time for friends and family to come together and celebrate. However, the holidays are often a great source of stress for people in recovery. Along with concerns about possibly experiencing a relapse, there are also other concerns related to gift giving, finances, and family obligations. Here are a few things you can do to show your loved one that you genuinely care about their well-being.
Create a Sober-Friendly Environment
Alcohol is often a big part of holiday festivities. For people in recovery, the presence of alcoholic beverages can be extremely triggering. If your loved one confides in you that they don’t feel comfortable attending a party where alcohol is served, consider making it a dry event. If you’re planning outings for friends and family, avoid bars and restaurants in favor of things like ice skating or getting coffee. And if your loved one is comfortable attending a gathering with alcohol, make sure there are lots of non-alcoholic beverages available.
Check In with Your Loved One Often
Being sober during the holiday season can feel isolating. Even just a simple phone call can brighten a person’s day when they are feeling down, so don’t be shy about reaching out often. You should also refrain from making judgements or putting pressure on the person in recovery if they express trepidation about the holidays or upcoming events. Just lend your ear and a shoulder to lean on so your loved one understands you’re rooting for them.
Be Understanding About Their Needs
Your loved one might find the stress and pressure of the holiday season too much to handle. In this case, don’t take it personally if the person turns down an invite or isn’t as engaged with holiday festivities. Offer to spend time with them in other ways, such as having lunch together or going for a relaxing walk. You can also extend an invite to your loved one’s sponsor or sober friend if they need to feel supported when attending holiday gatherings.
Here at Duke City Recovery Toolbox, it’s our mission to support people in recovery throughout Albuquerque. However, we also take the time to provide family members with information on addiction, so they’re in a better position to help their loved ones. If you or someone you love is in need of help with addiction recovery, please call (505) 224-9777 . You can also contact us for more information on our services.
