The idea marijuana addiction of managing sobriety on your own, especially during the holidays, can be overwhelming. That’s why it’s crucial to have a solid support system in place. This could include friends, family members, or professionals who you can call when things get tough.
Identify Your Holiday Triggers Before the Season Starts
You can also join an online sober group and follow sobriety-related social media accounts. Although these tips can be helpful, family can sometimes be the biggest challenge when staying sober during the holidays. It’s important to have open and honest communication to make this season enjoyable and safe. At Longbranch Recovery, we understand the unique challenges of the holiday season and are here to help you every step of the way. Our team is available 24/7 to provide guidance, encouragement, and resources for you or your loved ones. This holiday season, give yourself the gift of continued progress, self-care, and support.
Individualized Treatment
We understand how challenging this time of year can feel—and how crucial it is to have real, practical strategies that help you stay aligned with your recovery goals. The key to fulfilling sobriety is connection — the true spirit of the holidays. Have an accountability partner, friend, or sobriety network on speed dial and use them to discuss your emotions and challenges. Don’t isolate or stifle your emotions by trying to pretend you’re fine. It’s OK to not feel OK — even and especially during the holiday season.
- If you can, bring a sober friend who understands your journey to events.
- The winter season may trigger symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
- It’s okay to pick the ones that are less focused on alcohol and where you feel more comfortable.
On the Ninth Day of the Sober Holidays: Stay Mindful of Stress
Staying connected with those who understand what you’re going through is a good way to feel sober holidays understood, especially this time of year. Attending additional support group meetings, whether in-person or online, to reinforce your commitment to sobriety is a good way to do that. Talking with your sponsor, therapist, or peers in recovery can help you process feelings and gain valuable advice for handling specific situations.
Your sponsor and friends from recovery programs are valuable resources during difficult times. When you’re facing a challenging situation, reaching out to them through a text message or phone call can provide the accountability and perspective you need. Recognizing these challenges early allows you to build concrete, practical strategies before you are in a high-risk situation. The following 20 tips will help you create exit strategies, manage cravings, and navigate difficult family dynamics so you can protect your recovery and enjoy the season. Shift your focus from alcohol-centered events to the true spirit of the holidays.
For the addicted person and their family, more stress means more vulnerability. After all, the holidays can kick off a perfect storm of family and money stress. If you feel scared or unsafe in your own home, reach out for help.
In addition to these emotional challenges, the financial and logistical stress of gift shopping, travel, and a packed holiday schedule can leave little time for self-care or reflection. Recognizing these difficulties is the first step in creating a plan to protect your sobriety during the holidays. Holiday celebrations introduce specific obstacles for those in recovery, emphasizing the need for preparation and awareness.
Ways to Stay Sober During the Holidays
The disruption of regular routines and schedules can further challenge your efforts to maintain sobriety. One of the most effective ways to cope with holiday stress is planning ahead. Set aside dates for visiting family and friends, baking, shopping, and other holiday-related activities. Making lists can help you remain organized and prevent the anxiety of last-minute scrambling.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please contact at If you’ve slipped more than once, this might be a sign you need additional support, such as more frequent counseling sessions or an intensive outpatient program. If you have had a slip, or a series of slips, over the holidays, the most important thing you can do is talk to someone about it. Relapse among people with substance use disorder is not uncommon.
Recovery Support
Recovery is a journey, and it’s essential to be kind to yourself along the way. Remember that recovery is not a perfect process, and it’s okay to make mistakes. You’re doing the best you can, and that’s something to be proud of.