The holidays can be a difficult time if you are new to recovery. You will definitely encounter several challenges from family gatherings, emotional triggers like stress, and parties with plenty of alcohol. As difficult as it may sound, it is possible to enjoy sober holidays. You can resist your relapse triggers by creating a plan and having a strong support network. Learn how to enjoy sober holidays at TruHealing Centers through our alcohol addiction treatment program.
How Can You Enjoy the Holidays Sober?
There are several ways you can safeguard your sobriety and still have a good time during the festive season. Some of them include:
Plan Your Sober Holiday
Create a plan to stay sober ahead of holiday events that could potentially trigger a relapse. You can go to a twelve-step meeting before or after an event, ensure you have reliable transportation, or make sure you can leave the gathering at any time. Your plan can also include making regular phone calls to a recovering colleague. Know you can walk away from stressful situations and people. Enjoying sober holidays involves being aware of the people, places, and things around you. Most importantly, they include planning how to stay sober despite the inevitable situations.
Avoid Potential Triggers
Even though you have supportive friends and family, not everyone will entirely back your recovery efforts. You may have a friend who will offer alcohol or interrogate you about your time in rehab. Limit or avoid contact with such people. The same applies to events such as end-of-the-year office parties. However, you do not have to avoid social places altogether. You can still enjoy sober holidays without putting yourself in dangerous situations. Ask your spouse or a sober friend to accompany you to holiday events. They can provide you with support or an exit strategy when you encounter a potential trigger.
Be of Service to the Community
Holidays present excellent opportunities for spiritual growth by sharing your joy with others. Joining others in communal activities can be a new experience that takes courage. Connecting with others is also another way of strengthening your recovery. Look for ways you can serve others. You can volunteer to help at a homeless shelter or spend time with a sick neighbor. You have endless ways to give back to the community.
Practice Self-Care
You can celebrate your holidays by taking care of yourself and enjoying the fullness of a sober life. You do not have to spend a lot of money to practice self-care and enjoy sober holidays. Engage yourself in gentle exercises, have a balanced diet, and ensure you get ample sleep. Connect with your loved ones or find some quiet time to relax and meditate. These routines can work wonders for your well-being and can make you stronger emotionally.
Why Is It Important for You to Have Sober Holidays?
Despite the challenges you may face on your journey to sobriety, you need to have drug and alcohol-free holidays. Not only will your holidays have more meaning and purpose, but they will also keep your stress levels down. Sober holidays allow you to meet new people, reconnect with family, and participate in events without risking your safety. Addiction denies you the freedom to have control of yourself and your actions. When you decide to have sober holidays, you can create memories without the fear of doing anything wrong under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Find Help at TruHealing Centers Today
Whether you are recovering from an addiction or are considering entering a rehabilitation program, our professionals at TruHealing Centers can assist you. We offer comprehensive treatment at levels ranging from detox to aftercare services. Our other programs include:
- Alcohol addiction treatment programs
- Opioid addiction treatment programs
- Residential addiction treatment programs
- Intensive outpatient programs
- Community housing
Let us help you or a loved one enjoy sober holidays. Contact TruHealing Centers today by calling us at [Direct] or completing a simple online form to learn more about our programs.