Maintaining recovery throughout the holidays is challenging for some people. The holidays, in general, can be difficult for many. Whether you struggle with uncomfortable family dynamics or unhappy home situations, the holidays are not always the most wonderful time of year. Being sober adds the pressure of maintaining recovery throughout the holidays, which can be daunting. Rest assured that you are not alone if you are in that boat.
The holidays can come with several triggers that increase your risk of relapse. You may experience the stress of alcohol exposure at a holiday party or deal with a difficult relative. Either way, opportunities for relapse can seem endless. While you should not take recovery throughout the holidays lightly, you should not let worry consume you. You can find ways to enjoy this time of year and maintain your recovery.
There are several reasons why recovery throughout the holidays can be challenging. For starters, time in treatment means time away from social situations threatening your sobriety. The holidays may expose you to triggers such as people, places, or things associated with past substance use.
The first example to consider is Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving. For years friends and families have gathered to celebrate Thanksgiving together, and more often than not, they do so with a seemingly endless supply of food and alcohol. Whether you struggle with alcohol use disorder (AUD) or drug addiction, abstaining from all substance use is vital.
Unfortunately, potential exposure does not stop there. A pillar of fun and merriment in our society is alcohol consumption. So, alcohol may be present at the annual family gathering or office Christmas party. Individuals in long-term recovery may be able to handle these exposures. However, individuals in early recovery may be at risk for relapse.
Now, a true friend or a loving family may do what they can to mitigate your risks of relapse during this holiday season. They may decide that this year's festivities will not include alcohol. If you return home for the first time, you risk running into individuals you once used with or who remind you of substance use. Avoiding these individuals is imperative. Sobriety sometimes means cutting people you once called a friend out of your life to protect the life of recovery you have achieved.
Unfortunately, sometimes these people are family members and may be present at family holiday gatherings. In these cases, decide whether you can handle being around them and what you could do instead or devise a plan to remove yourself from the situation if it becomes too risky.
Even individuals who have been in recovery for years may struggle during the holiday season. These individuals have usually found effective ways to maintain their recovery while enjoying the holidays. Still, triggers may always be present. However, if this is your first holiday season since entering recovery, you may be struggling to cope. Consider looking to people who have been in recovery for a long time for tips and assistance.
Before considering the risks of relapse during the holidays, you must understand some overarching pitfalls of early recovery. Early recovery comes with many challenges, including exposure to many triggers. As mentioned, some triggers include old friends or certain places. Avoid these when possible if you're returning home for the holidays.
Avoiding the pitfalls of early recovery also requires setting boundaries. Boundaries are crucial whether or not it is the holiday season. When it comes to sobriety throughout the holidays, boundaries help guide you and the people around you through the holiday season. They help others understand why you might refuse a cocktail at a holiday party or teach your family about what they can do to reduce your risk of relapse.
Lastly, life post-treatment is a transitional period. It may take a while to get your footing, but the holidays can be an opportunity to practice the coping skills you learned during treatment. Instead of insulating yourself from the season, embrace it as a practice ground. If you can make it through your first holiday season in recovery, you can make it through whatever new challenge comes along.
A relapse prevention plan is a protective measure to get you through the holidays and maintain sobriety. In a nutshell, relapse prevention plans consist of techniques and tools you can use to avoid relapse during recovery. Just as every addiction journey is unique, so are relapse prevention plans. Before leaving treatment, take the time to create a list of support groups you can attend, therapists you can see individually, and holistic methods for preventing relapse.
Keep in touch with any sponsors or accountability partners you may have during the holidays. That way, if you are at an event with alcohol or other triggers, you can reach out to someone to talk it through instead of giving in to substance use. Being open and honest with those you spend the holiday season with is crucial when trying to maintain sobriety.
Do not let the fears of your first holiday season in recovery stop you from enjoying the season. By being vigilant and making wise choices surrounding your sobriety, you can make it through this holiday season with your recovery intact.
Trying to stay away from alcohol during the holidays can be a challenge. So much of American culture revolves around alcohol consumption. Whether you attend Thanksgiving dinner or the office holiday party, chances are alcohol will be present. People in long-term recovery may be able to handle the presence of alcohol during the holidays. However, those in early recovery may be struggling to cope with this new challenge. Thankfully, there are ways to make it through the holidays while maintaining sobriety. Some include following a relapse prevention plan, setting boundaries, and being open and honest with friends and family about your triggers. If you need help maintaining recovery throughout the holidays, call (303) 558-6400.
