Staying Sober Through the Holidays and Life Events

Staying sober at Christmas: Challenging for some but it is possible.

The festive season brings a lot of joy to many, even those who aren’t of the Christian faith. It is a time for families to gather, stop work (for most) and overindulge with foods they don’t eat the rest of the year. For those in recovery, Christmas can bring a unique challenge when trying to prevent a relapse.

Christmas isn’t just the 25th of December. It can mean office lunches, office parties, gatherings, strained family dynamics and transport woes. This time of year can be difficult enough for anyone but for someone in recovery it can be particularly testing.

With the right mental toolkit and mindset it is possible, not only to stay sober, but to really enjoy Christmas, and the new year!

Here at Find Me a Rehab we have experienced addictions clinicians who provide 24 Hour Rehab Advice. If you need Free Clinician Drug Advice: Call.

Understanding the Challenges of Staying Sober During the Holidays

Christmas and new year often involve alcohol centred parties and family gatherings. There is an expectation to attend events and be around people whom you may not want to socialise with. It can be overwhelming. For some feelings of isolation , stress and bereavement can rise to the fore. Any, and a combination of these, can ignite a relapse.

The festive season can increase feelings and traumatic memories that are difficult to process. This can be a path to relapse. If you are able to identify these you can plan to avoid and deal with them and prevent relapse.

Be proactive

Forward planning can make the difference between a sober Christmas/New Year and relapse. If you formulate a plan and inform your sober network, you stand a much better chance of success. The therapists we work with suggest the following:

• Write a sober plan: Create a list of responses to offers of alcohol/drugs; Sounds simple but can be very effective. A simple “No thanks, I quit drinking so I am on non-alcoholic drinks tonight” might be your stock response. This will keep you focused.
• Let others know: In your recovery network are people who want you to succeed. Keep them informed of your recovery goals. Keep in touch with them, especially over Christmas and New Year. Not only will you find their support invaluable, knowing that you have set goals for yourself and others will notice if you relapse can go a long way to maintaining abstinence.
• Setting and maintaining boundaries: Saying no to an invitation is not rude. If you feel that a particular event/gathering is going to be difficult: avoid it. You have to look after yourself.

Practical Tips to Stay Sober at Social Events

Prior preperation and planning to prevent a four letter word performance! There are some very practical tips that people in recovery have shared in sessions and groups:

• Take a tea total friend along: Someone who doesn’t drink, is aware of your situation and is committed to your sobriety can be a real asset.
• Have a soft drink on the go: No one offers someone a drink if they have one in their hand. Keep a drink on the go , it will make you feel included and can take the pressure off people asking you if you want another one.
• Emergency exit: When you board a plane the crew point out your nearest exit in case of emergency. Think like an air steward!
• Focus on what you can do: You know what you can not do (drink) so focus on what you can do! Talk to people you don’t know, visit somewhere you have not been before: Enjoy yourself.

Here at Find Me a Rehab we have experienced addictions clinicians who provide 24 Hour Rehab Advice. If you need Free Clinician Drug Advice: Call.

Managing Holiday Stress Without Turning to Substances

Christmas can be incredibly stressful. It is the busiest day of the year for the police when dealing with domestic incidents. People who don’t get on spend too much time together in small spaces: A recipe for disaster. Stress can become unmanageable. Here are some ideas:

• Self care: Make time for exercise, get enough sleep, mediate, listen to relaxing music.
• Mindfulness: Focus on your breathing. Take in your surroundings.
• Be grateful: Keep a diary of the things you are thankful for, it can really be a lift when you feel down. Focus on what you have.

Christmas is not a time to be on your own: Stay connected to your sober network. You can do this by:

• Go to 12 step/SMART meetings
• Use online support forums
• Stay in touch with your sponsor and friends in recovery

Create new Christmas traditions in recovery

A tradition is something that has happened before and gets repeated. Now that you are sober you are in the perfect position to create new, sober, traditions! Why not use the power of your recovery to give back?

• Volunteer: A homeless shelter, care home or other provision where you can give back. This will be a perfect opportunity to enjoy a sober time.
• Make new traditions: Watch a movie, go hill walking, bake a cake: Create positive sober memories.
• Celebrate your sobriety: You fought for it

Staying Positive: Embracing the Holidays as a Time of Healing

Don’t view Christmas as a test of your sobriety: Every day is a test. This time of year is an opportunity to enjoy the festival sober. Concentrate on the aspects of it that you enjoy.

Be compassionate: You have made mistakes, but they are in the past. Be kind yo yourself, and others as it will boost your recovery .

New year/new you: Now you are sober you can make realistic plans for the new year. Plan for the life you want free from the shackles of alcohol.

Staying sober at Christmas is possible: It takes planning, a positive mindset and the support of those in your sober network. With application you can really enjoy the time and make new memories!

Here at Find Me a Rehab we have experienced addictions clinicians who provide 24 Hour Rehab Advice. If you need Free Clinician Drug Advice: Call.

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