The idea of navigating your first sober holiday season may feel overwhelming and challenging. If you just quit drinking or using drugs, there's a good chance things already feel extra vulnerable right now. Thinking about handling family gatherings, socializing with friends, or moving through familiar rituals without being under the influence just may seem foreign.
The good news is that it's absolutely possible to stay committed to your recovery during this time. Moreover, this is a chance to create new memories and truly stay present during a meaningful time of year. Let's get into some tips that may help you if you're feeling concerned.
Plan Ahead for Triggers
Triggers come in many forms, and you've probably already moved through many different triggering events throughout your sobriety so far.
During the holiday season, some of the more heightened, common triggers might include:
spending time with family members who drink alcohol or use drugs
tense interpersonal dynamics with family members or extended family
excessive stress or anxiety
being around people who aren't supportive of your recovery
being "off" your normal routine due to travel, work, or other holiday-related changes
feeling like the scapegoat during family events
Being aware of these triggers is the first step toward preventing a relapse. This is especially critical during your first year of sobriety. Building upon this awareness allows you to plan for how you want to manage these potentially difficult circumstances. You will need to pair triggering emotions or situations with better self-care strategies.
With that, it's okay to avoid situations that feel uncomfortable or feel too reminiscent of your addiction. It's also okay to leave early from a difficult event.
Life is undoubtedly complex, but nothing is more important than your recovery. With that, you may need to consider readjusting how you typically engage during the holidays.
Build Your Sober Support System
If you're the only sober person in the room, it may feel especially challenging to manage your sobriety. Unfortunately, some family dynamics perpetuate substance use disorders.
For example, you may feel stressed even thinking about others drinking alcohol in your presence. Having this anxiety doesn't mean you're doomed to failure- it just means you're building awareness of how certain relationships affect you and your sobriety.
With that in mind, this may be the time to really lean on your sober friends. These friends understand the intimate struggles associated with substance abuse, and they can closely support your recovery efforts. Similarly, you can spend time with them without worrying about whether drugs or alcohol will be present. This alone can have an immense grounding effect.
At the very least, aim to stay connected with a positive support group during this time. Not only may this help you avoid relapse, but it can cultivate friendship and inclusivity at a time when loneliness often feels more prevalent.
Focus on Building New Traditions or New Activities
You can honor staying sober by redefining how you celebrate the holidays. Consider which rituals you may want to keep, which ones need to be modified, and which ones require complete elimination.
If you struggle to conceptualize what may be supportive, think about what you enjoyed during the holidays as a child- long before you struggled with drug or alcohol abuse. How did you like celebrating Thanksgiving or Christmas? What did New Year's Day mean to you back then?
If you're still not sure what to do, simply get quiet with yourself and ask, What would an ideal sober Christmas or sober holiday season look like for me? What do I need to do to achieve that? These answers can refine your focus and help you prioritize what you need to do to honor your well-being.
Give Back to Others
If your ability to stay sober feels precarious right now, you're not alone. Early recovery is a vulnerable time, and that's why it's often recommended to stay connected to outside support and seek help if you need it.
Giving back to others takes the focus away from yourself and onto others. This can be monumental for those trying to navigate the holiday period without drugs or alcohol.
You can get involved in local volunteering or giving back by:
volunteering to be the designated driver for your family or friends
reaching out to someone in your support network who may be struggling
donating time at a local soup kitchen, hospital, or shelter
making care packages for those in need
Honoring Your Recovery With Resurface Group
At Resurface Group, we deeply understand the difficulties, awkward moments, and heightened stress that can come with the holiday season. If you're newly recovering from a substance use disorder, we are here to help you in your efforts toward preventing relapse and strengthening recovery.
Regardless of your circumstances, we know you can get through your first sober Christmas and many more after that! Contact us today to learn more about our dynamic addiction treatment and mental health treatment programs.
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