The Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation cautions, for many of us, the holidays are a season of peace and joy, but reality often looks quite different. Stressors can quickly pile up for people who struggle with both mental health issues AND alcohol or drug addiction. This can be a difficult time of year to stay sober. If you struggle with addiction, this year make a holiday plan to protect your sobriety. Look ahead for uncomfortable situations and triggering environments. Attend a Twelve-Step meeting before a get together or invite a sober friend to tag along to your party. Make plans to meet up with your sponsor or talk on the phone.
It is important to build-in support to help yourself stay on track. Maybe your expectations for perfection have become a downfall. Connect with a sober friend or sponsor about the emotions and expectations you have. When those things are left unattended, it can lead to relapse. Remember, recovery is a one-day-at-a-time endeavor, no matter the season.
If you want to stay sober during the holidays, look for opportunities to be of service. Serve a meal at a homeless shelter. Reach out to a newcomer at a meeting. Spend time with elderly loved one or neighbor. There are many ways to give back, pay it forward and be of service. Each opportunity guides you further away from resentment, self-pity, and fear.
If you're part of a support group, make time to attend a few extra meetings during the holidays. If you need help finding a support group, the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence offers a list of organizations you can contact. Stay close to helpful family and friends you’ve met during your recovery journey, understand that your family or friends who abuse substances may have to celebrate without you this year.
In Everyday Health, clinical social worker, and addiction counselor Kate Rhine, writing on how to stay sober during the holidays reminds us that a craving only lasts about 20 minutes. If you can stay strong for-a-short period, the urge to drink alcohol or use drugs should pass. To help manage the craving, get up and move around, even to a different setting. Meditate or practice breathing exercises. Be intentional about the invitations you accept. Say “No, thank you” to invitations that are unhealthy for you. Your peace of mind is important and can be maintained by saying yes to celebrating in ways and with people that are supportive of your recovery.
-Jerry Strausbaugh, EdD, LPCCS, Executive Director
https://www.hazeldenbettyford.org/articles/tips-for-enjoying-sober-holidays
https://www.everydayhealth.com/news/ways-avoid-holiday-addiction-relapses/
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