7 Ways to Stay Sober During the Holidays
The holidays are often a time of indulgence, and if you recently started your journey to sobriety, it can be an especially hard time to stay sober. The festive nature of the season can provide many temptations, from free-flowing alcoholic beverages at holiday parties to the stress of family gatherings. 1000 Islands Wellness & Treatment Centre shares several helpful tips for avoiding drinking or taking drugs during the holidays:
1. Think About How Great Being Sober Is.
Each morning, take some time to think about how great it is that you're sober and how good you'll feel making it through the holidays. Keep a note somewhere you'll see if often so you read it frequently.
2. Be Careful Who You Visit Back Home.
If you're going home for the holidays, avoid being around those you used to drink or do drugs with. While it might be a great time to visit old friends or relatives, you'll want to avoid visiting people that might lead you to a relapse.
3. Make Brief Appearances at Certain Parties.
If you have to go to a party and you know there will be drinking or drug use, make sure the appearance is brief. Stop in to say “hello” to everyone, then leave so as to avoid a relapse.
4. Plan for How to Deal with Cravings.
Cravings will happen, so make sure you have a plan to handle them. What's worked best for you in the past? If you need to, just think about staying sober for the next five minutes, then find something to keep busy. Read a book or go for a walk to clear your head and avoid triggers.
5. Be Ready to Leave.
If you feel tempted to drink or do drugs at a party, just leave. You don't have to stay and struggle to avoid temptations. Plan on transportation before you go.
6. Bring Your Own Drink to Parties.
If possible, bring water or soda to any party you attend, so you don't have to go near the bar. If you can't bring your own, get a safe option as soon as you arrive. This helps you reduce the temptations and can help you avoid people asking if you want a drink. Throughout the party, make sure you have a safe drink in your hands at all times.
7. Remember that You Can be Vulnerable After the Holidays.
Staying sober is stressful and post-holiday temptation can be a concern as well. Some will try to convince themselves that they are entitled to a drink after the holidays because they did so well staying sober. Avoid this trap and keep going forward with your recovery. Take time for yourself, relax, and enjoy being sober. 1000 Islands Wellness and Treatment Centre believes that the more you can do to plan to avoid relapse, the less likely it is you'll end up having a drink or trying drugs. Keep getting help through the holidays so you can stay on the path to sobriety.
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1000 Islands Wellness & Treatment Centre offers residential in-patient Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation facilities serving Canadians dealing with addiction.
Lizzy Sherman is an award-winning digital content writer/editor. She has been a featured guest speaker at Cal State University Northridge, Digital LA and The National Association of Audience Marketing Professionals. When she's not writing, Lizzy enjoys yoga and playing guitar. Follow her on Instagram: @zillizy