10 Tips for a Merry, Sober, and Safe Holiday Season

The “worst” experience with alcohol was in another cooking class. The host, despite knowing ahead of time that we didn’t drink, had only tap water on the table. But I put that word in quotation marks because everything else was absolutely delightful. Our host turned out to be a TV personality who was having boyfriend issues. That first summer as a divorcee, I was desperate to escape my life, at least for the duration allowed by my accrued vacation time.

• This isn’t to say that everything will be stressful—far from it!
• You’re guaranteed to laugh and cry, and sympathize and feel the fellowship of others who are just like you.
• A sober holiday allows you to enjoy the luxury of time away as many others do, whilst staying sober.
• Life will take on a new meaning, and you will know happiness like you have never known before.

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Ahhhhhh…..the holidays—they are approaching like a speeding train. This is a season that can be bittersweet—for the great expectations that so many people have can often lead to disappointment. Seeing family and friends can be a blessing, but at the same time lead to additional seasonal stress. Answering the same questions over and over https://ecosoberhouse.com/ again can trigger intense emotions.

Addiction Treatment Programs

And if feeling especially strained, turn to healthy stress coping mechanisms like yoga, a walk outside, journaling – or even a pampering spa treatment. The first step is to acknowledge the role alcohol has traditionally played in holiday celebrations. Having traveled the world sober and not sober, I’ve learned that I take my addiction with me everywhere, whether I’m indulging it or not. So it would be an outright lie to claim that those Mojitos in Cuba held zero interest. The glasses had been chilled, crushed ice and fresh mint were on hand, and some beautiful amber liquid awaited my pour. Worse yet, the alternatives were Fresca sweetened with extra sugar and lime juice, or tap water.

Renewal Center for Ongoing Recovery

Here are seven tried-and-true tips and strategies that will prepare you for the holidays, help you avoid relapse and protect you from any uncomfortable situations. Bright Future Recovery wishes everyone in recovery happy sober holidays! All of us need connection and support in our recovery; especially during the holidays. Make your recovery meetings a priority, find time with friends who enrich you, and surround yourself with those who make you feel known and loved.

Create a new narrative that aligns with a commitment to sobriety. Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve are sober holidays some of the most cherished occasions on the calendar. However, they’re also some of the most popular times for alcohol consumption and, unfortunately, drug use.

Addiction and Mental Health Resources

Share experiences about a family gathering or work-related party. You’re guaranteed to laugh and cry, and sympathize and feel the fellowship of others who are just like you. In reality, however, for many people it can be a difficult time, triggering feelings of depression and anxiety as well as powerful urges to escape, use substances, and/or act out. Before accepting a single invitation, define and communicate your boundaries with loved ones. That could mean avoiding sensitive subjects like your dating life or career or asking your pour-happy uncle to only serve you mocktails.