The holiday season tends to be tough on everyone. For people in recovery, navigating parties and gatherings this time of year can seem especially daunting. You want to spend time with the ones you love, but you don’t want to risk the sobriety you worked so hard to achieve.
It is possible to lead a rich, fulfilling life while sober, no matter the time of the year. The following tips allow you to partake in festivities while also maintaining control over your recovery.
Have a Plan for Holiday Events
Going into potentially triggering situations with a solid plan will help you make the right decisions. Drive yourself or arrange for your own transportation to ensure you can leave the party or event when you want to. If you’re concerned about the availability of non-alcoholic beverages, bring your own. Carrying around a drink will stop others from asking if you’d like an alcoholic beverage. You can also ask a caring friend or loved one to accompany you for moral support.
Prioritize Self-Care
Self-care is the process of ensuring physical and mental health needs are met. If you’re feeling insecure in your recovery or know that an event will include triggering factors, it’s perfectly OK to decline an invitation. If you’re close to the host of the party, you can suggest another holiday meeting in a sober environment. People who genuinely care about you and your recovery will understand why you can’t attend.
Seek Support from Your Peers
People who are also in recovery will understand just what you’re going through this holiday season, so they can provide support when you’re feeling overwhelmed. Don’t hesitate to call or text a friend, sponsor, or peer support specialist if you need to talk. You can also establish new traditions with other people in recovery for a truly inclusive and supportive experience.
When faced with holiday challenges, you can rest assured that Duke City Recovery Toolbox is here to help. Our outpatient treatment services are designed to provide you roadmap to sobriety. You can also find assistance in our peer support specialists, who use their own personal life experience to motivate and encourage others in recovery.
Residents of Albuquerque are invited to call (505) 224-9777 to discuss their needs with a kind and caring representative. You can also contact us for more information on our services and credentials.
