Get Clean – Call us today!

The Holiday Season and Staying Sober

For those in early recovery, and for some in long term recovery, the holiday season can be a very precarious time. Alcohol is prevalent almost everywhere. For those who do not suffer from addiction, having a few drinks with friends every day or two, whether in their homes, at bars, restaurants, or holiday parties, is a common practice. This can create a tremendous amount of anxiety, especially for those in early recovery.

A person in early recovery is quite frequently very fragile emotionally. The very substance or substances they have used to cope with life have been removed. They are learning a new way that is drug-free. For many, the world is a scary place as pro-longed substance abuse has dulled any coping skills they may have had. Simply having a discussion with another person can be very difficult. Going to public places or being in crowds can be very difficult.

Sober Holiday Tips

Click to View our Infographic

Sober Holiday Tips

Active addiction scrambles brain chemistry in a major way and it takes time to for those brain chemicals to return to normal levels. Many of those in early recovery also suffering from underlying conditions such as depression. Given all of these factors, it is not surprising that such a person may feel even more uncomfortable during the holiday season and all the temptations that abound.

The good news is that there are many effective ways to not only stay sober during the holiday season but also perhaps even enjoy this festive time of year. For most in early recovery, it is very important that they find environments where temptations are minimal. Environments where they can feel safe and surrounded by supportive people familiar with what they are going through.

The vast majority of recovery groups such as AA and the multitude of other 12 step groups, Celebrate Recovery, and various other addiction recovery entities have a great many activities scheduled throughout the 2 to 3 week period of time before Christmas and though New Year’s. There are 24 hour meetings, numerous lunches and dinners planned, and other sober activities.

For most in early recovery, attending these sober activities throughout the holiday season helps them tremendously. A good number of people actually plan out their 12 step meetings and the events/activities they are going to attend for the entire holiday period. This is a good practice as those recovery, and early recovery in particular, tend to need structure. Structuring a schedule of such activities gives the person an opportunity to feel some certainty and comfort. They feel a certain confidence and sense of safety knowing that their lives during the holiday season are going to be full of healthy, recovery related meetings, etc.

These recovery meetings and events during the holiday season are full of people in short, mid-term, and long-term recovery. These people have all felt very similarly at one point or another during tempting holiday seasons. They can relate to one another. They can share with one another. And they can be supportive of one another. For the most part, these “sober events” are full of laughter and conviviality.

In short, not only is maintaining sobriety in early recovery during the holiday season possible, but it is also often enjoyable. Having a schedule of events and planned sober activities can help a lot. A person in early recovery can stay sober, enjoy the holiday season, and feel the added confidence of having made it through the holiday season sober. For many, this will be the first time in a long time that they have experienced a holiday season sober and that is a blessing.

Recent Posts

PTSD Symptoms: The Invisible Scars That Cause Distress

“I am not what happened to me, I am what I choose to become.” – C. G. Jung You couldn’t help your reaction – the way your partner raised their voice took you right back to the past. Immediately, it was like you were thrown into your old life with your ex-partner, and...

How Long Can a Panic Attack Last: Breaking Down the Timeline

It’s never happened to you before, but suddenly you feel anxious. Your hands begin to shake and you can’t stop thinking something bad is about to happen. It feels like an elephant has taken up residence on your chest and each breath becomes difficult. What is...

Panic Disorder Symptoms: What They Are and Why They Occur

No matter how hard you try, you can’t explain why it happens. You will be walking through the grocery store when your heart rate picks up, sweat beads on your forehead, and you can’t shake the feeling that something bad is about to happen. Why does this keep happening...

Anxiety vs Panic Attack: Key Differences in Disorders and Presentation

Feelings of anxiety can seem to creep up and fill you from the inside out. These feelings can hang on for days, holding you down and keeping you from your life. Though others may have similar feelings, for you they come on faster and stronger, often in a plague...

Bipolar Disorder and Alcohol: Why Are They So Frequently Connected?

Having a mental health condition impacts every aspect of your life. Some days it feels impossible to get out of your head, leaving you to wonder how you can silence the thoughts of depression or anxiety. Finally, you find a solution in alcohol, but this ends up being...