It’s the time of year when the next festivity seems right around the corner. Family gatherings, office holiday happy hours, friendly reunions – the list of social events goes on and on. Although holiday events can be fun and exciting, for a recovering alcoholic they can be daunting. With the smiles, laughter, and connection also comes a steady flow of alcohol. For a recovering alcoholic, this can be a very difficult atmosphere. Following are some tips you can follow that help you to stay sober during the holidays.
Have a Plan
Holiday parties are like clockwork, you know what’s coming, so, you can prepare. It is 100% your decision whether you decide to participate in the festivities. It’s as okay to stay home as it is to go. If you do go, it is important to have a plan to manage triggers that may arise. Who will you be surrounding yourself with? What will you do if urges surface? It never hurts to be prepared for any type of situation.
Find Support
You do not have to face the holidays alone. If you feel comfortable, find trusted friends, family members, or colleagues and let them know how you’re feeling. There is no shame in sharing your story with the people that you trust – more likely than not they will have even more respect for you and see strength in your decision to take back control of your life.
Keep Busy
There are plenty of things to do during the holidays other than drink! Use this as a time to connect or reconnect with the people that you love. Offer your service to your local food bank or homeless shelter. Reach out to your family members to see if anyone needs an extra hand during the winter months. There are countless things you can do to spend time with people without risking your sobriety. Plus, both you and the people you spend your time with will feel grateful for the quality time. Use the holidays to celebrate your own courage while building or strengthening old or new relationships.
The Bottom Line
Always remember that you are in control. Make sure you have a plan for how you are going to tackle the holidays and all the festivities they bring, surround yourself with trustworthy individuals, and use the time to cultivate positive connections.
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, do not hesitate to give us a call today. Perspectives is here to provide you with the support and resources necessary to achieve sobriety and live the life you always wanted.