How the hell am I not going to drink through all of this? In the end, I did stay sober through this first holiday season by taking it one day at a time, just like every other day I was sober. We all know how some holiday parties get after a few hours of socializing. We recommend that you set a time limit on any event you are attending.

Chris is a storyteller and aims to share his story with others in the hopes of helping them achieve their own recovery. Discover 5 low-cost Friendsgiving ideas in DFW for 2025, including free events and unique ways to gather with friends this November. If you’re falling into these patterns, I encourage you to contact a professional who specializes in addiction.

If necessary, admit to your family and friends that you don’t want to drink or use.

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Seek Professional Support When Needed

Difficult is not synonymous with impossible, and yes, millions have managed to stay sober during the holidays and have a jolly ol’ time. Keep reading for expert-recommended tips to deter alcohol cravings while keeping your sober spirits high. Remember, staying sober during the holidays isn’t just about saying no to alcohol. It’s about taking care of your long-term recovery and well-being. The holidays are a short period, but your recovery is worth protecting. If your old holiday traditions were connected to drinking, it’s a good idea to create new ones that don’t involve alcohol.

• Always seek the advice of a physician or qualified health provider with questions regarding a medical condition.
• With the holidays fast approaching, you are no doubt preparing for all of the upcoming celebrations with your family and friends.
• Triggers could be specific environments, people, or emotions such as stress or anxiety.
• It’s important to be aware of these and have a plan to deal with them.
• The holiday gathering is not the time to discuss grudges, disappointments, or other unaddressed issues.

We’re here when you are ready to take your first steps toward recovery.

Maintaining social connections helps reinforce your commitment to sobriety and provides an outlet for processing emotions. Instead of “powering through” triggering situations, give yourself permission to decline invitations or leave events early if needed. Avoiding these situations isn’t a sign of weakness; it demonstrates strength and a commitment to sobriety. Don’t ignore signs of discomfort, and disengage from situations that are unhealthy or triggering. Vent to a friend, take a walk, and protect your hard-earned progress—no matter what your nosy relative might think about it. Give yourself a healthy dose of perspective while helping people who are less fortunate.

• B. Breath – Taking deep breaths also helps us remember that we are o.k.
• Together, we played around being foolish—others may have thought we were actually tipsy—but enjoyed the party without feeling excluded.
• Schedules are loose, and diet and sleep are disrupted.

Homeless shelters, soup kitchens, meals on wheels or other volunteer organizations can use extra help all year, especially around the holidays. Line up at least one therapy appointment before the holidays to help you prepare, and an appointment or two after the holidays to help you process the events of the season. Take time away from the family to attend a support meeting. It’s okay to take a break from the festivities in order to check in with yourself and your recovery. Go to a meeting, or ask a friend to meet you for coffee. This “time out” will help you keep your strength and resilience up.

However, for people with substance use disorder, the holidays can be seen as something that can be harmful to them if they are marijuana addiction not careful. I know that for myself, there has always been alcohol around and I had family and friends who would drink. This was always a concern to me as I was in recovery.

The holiday season is no time to go it alone – staying connected to your recovery support network is key to navigating the season successfully. A strong support network is invaluable during the holidays. This could include friends, sober holidays family, or members of a support group who understand your journey and are committed to helping you achieve your goals. Consider reaching out for regular check-ins or arranging small, sober gatherings with them during the holiday period.

• Feelings of loneliness can be triggering for people in recovery, even if they have a solid social support system.
• Many of our own team have walked the path to recovery.
• With nearly 30 years of sobriety under my belt, I have to admit that I have had to come up with a variety of ways to deal with others using around me.
• It’s important to communicate your sobriety to those around you.

To begin your sobriety journey, begin our alcohol addiction treatment program through one of our professional addiction treatment centers. Call Direct today for more information about TruHealing Centers. If you have a friend who is sober with you it could help you feel less alone and less tempted to drink or use drugs. This may not be possible for everyone, so make sure to remember to utilize your support system and have a sponsor or trusted friend on speed dial. Whether you use a faith-based program, Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous, utilizing the support system you have created through these programs is vital in early recovery. Let them know you are worried about going home for the holidays and seeing family/friends.

How To Get And Stay Sober

Youand you alone know your limits and what you can handle when it comes to yoursobriety, and it’s important to respect those limits. Schedule a demonstration of our completely automated and fully customizable solution with highly measurable, data-driven results. When I find life particularly challenging, someone inevitably comes along who is in worse shape than I am. When I am in the service of someone else, I am not thinking of myself. When your emotions cloud your judgment, try to use mindfulness techniques to feel more centered and grounded.

Brief them on what you’re going through and what you hope to achieve this holiday season. They can help make sure you stay on track, and be ready to offer some extra support whenever you need it. The holidays can be tough, and it’s okay to not be perfect. Recovery is a journey, and showing yourself kindness is crucial for maintaining long-term sobriety. Just drinking or using less over the month is a huge win. It happens one day at a time, and tomorrow is another day with a fresh start.

He serves as the CEO of Amatus Health, one of the fastest-growing, behavioral healthcare organizations in the country. Whatever your non-alcoholic drink of choice is, make sure you have it on hand. Having a drink in your hand may also help you say “no” when people try to offer you drinks. This last tip is not about the holiday, but about the days following the holiday.