As the holiday season approaches, many look forward to warm family gatherings and a cheerful atmosphere to create new memories and celebrate with those we love. While fun for many, these festivities can be emotionally charged and anxiety-provoking for those in recovery from addiction during the holidays. Some activities, celebrations, and holiday traditions may involve alcohol or drugs, which can be overwhelming and triggering for those in recovery and their concerned families.
If you are facing addiction and recovering this holiday season, it’s important to remember that you are not alone in your sobriety journey this year or next. Best of all, with the proper support and proactive planning, navigating these obstacles while staying sober helps to build resilience and confidence around sobriety, establishing a solid foundation for long-term recovery from substance use disorders.
In this blog by MAT Care Clinics, we will share seven valuable tips to help you manage addiction during the holidays. Whether you are sober, curious, or years into your recovery, this blog offers hope, guidance, and assurance during this challenging time of year. These helpful tips support many in managing addiction during the holidays without a relapse or significant setbacks, so they have many more holidays to enjoy! So, read for great tips on navigating addiction during the holiday season.
Click here to learn more about addiction recovery with MAT Care Clinics in Nashua, New Hampshire.
Navigating Addiction during the Holidays: 7 Tips to Stay Sober
1. Identify and Avoid Triggers by Limiting Exposure to Places, People, or Activities That May Lead to Substance Misuse
During the holiday season, social gatherings and celebrations are prevalent. However, for those struggling with addiction, these festivities may trigger substance use disorder or the urge to experiment with mood-altering substances. Identifying and avoiding triggers is crucial to steering clear of places, people, or activities that may lead to relapse or urges to use.
It can be helpful to plan and proactively seek alternative ways to celebrate the holidays, such as attending a support group when you know you might feel vulnerable or spending time with sober friends and family instead of those you know use substances. Additionally, bringing mocktails or preferred beverages can help limit cravings or feeling left out.
Remember, prioritizing self-care and sobriety during this festive season can help keep you safe and grounded so you can meet your goals long term.
2.Take Care of Yourself, Get Adequate Rest, and Move
Taking care of yourself by prioritizing rest, nutrition, and exercise can go a long way in helping you navigate the holiday season sober. Sleeping is crucial for good mental and physical health, so establishing a consistent sleep schedule is critical. Sticking to a natural, nutrient-rich diet, including fruits and vegetables, can also help boost mood and energy levels.
Additionally, regular exercising helps address stress levels and keeps your body well as the parties go a little later. Taking small steps towards prioritizing self-care enables you to stay on track proactively during the holidays to be the best version of yourself for those around you.
3. Develop a Support System, Including Family and Friends Who Can Be There for You during Difficult Times
During this time, developing a robust support system of family and friends who can be there for you is crucial. Leaning on the people who care about you can make a significant difference in your ability to manage your addiction and maintain your recovery throughout life. Additionally, reaching out to people who love and support you can lift your spirits and provide a source of accountability during the holidays.
Remember, you do not have to go through this alone. There are people in your life willing to help you along the way and be your biggest cheerleader as you work towards a life free from addiction and the chaos it brings.
4. If Triggered, Remind Yourself Why Your Sobriety Matters
Staying mindful and recognizing your thoughts and emotions around holiday festivities or potential triggers is essential and, at times, lifesaving. Taking a moment to reflect on why you want to remain sober can help tremendously in the face of temptation or stress. Ask yourself why sobriety matters. Is it because you wish to be fully present for your loved ones? Or to avoid negative consequences? By acknowledging why your sobriety matters, you regulate and remember why you chose this path.
5. Participate in Activities That Don’t Include Alcohol or Drugs
For some, especially those in early sobriety, every event and celebration may seem to involve mood-altering substances. This access can make it challenging to navigate festivities without compromising sobriety. One way to combat this challenge is to participate in activities that don’t include intoxication or encourage substance use.
Countless options are now available as more people from different walks of life embrace a more sober lifestyle for various reasons. From festive holiday markets and ice-skating to sober crafting or baking intricate holiday meals, engaging in sober activities can help you engage and feel good about the holidays. Additionally, it can provide many with new opportunities to create fresh traditions and establish sober networks.
6. Be Okay with Saying “No” and Establishing Boundaries
During the holiday season, when parties and gatherings peak, it can be challenging to say “no” when offered a drink or chemical substance. Saying “no” may be difficult, but it’s the best way to maintain sobriety and help you build resilience around these experiences. Whenever you say “no” to a substance, you strengthen your willpower and commitment to staying on the best path for you.
It’s also important to recognize when it’s time to go home and avoid putting yourself in a risky situation by staying out too long. Staying out too late or being around people who trigger your addiction can be problematic, so it’s critical to listen to your body and mind and recognize when it’s time to conclude the evening.
Accepting that it’s okay to put your sobriety first is ultimately essential. Setting boundaries is a powerful tool that can support you as you navigate the holiday season sober and set an example for others.
7. Seek Professional Support
With tempting treats, alcohol-fueled events, and increased stress, it’s no wonder why cravings for intoxication or substances can often become intense during the holiday season. If you are struggling to remain sober, seeking professional support can help improve your ability to manage these experiences and stay safe.
Speaking with a licensed professional like a therapist or addiction specialist can help you address your cravings and successfully navigate the holidays while in recovery. Additionally, treatment options like medication-assisted therapy, like that offered at MAT Care Clinics, support many in recovering.
Finally, it is essential to remember that addiction is a severe condition that often requires treatment, as described by The Partnership to End Addiction, and you shouldn’t feel fear or shame when seeking support. The most important thing you can do is care for yourself and prioritize your safety to ensure you don’t relapse or engage in other destructive tendencies that will ruin the season or your life.
Staying Sober While Facing Addiction During the Holidays Is Possible!
Remember, you don’t have to face addiction alone. While the holidays can be challenging for many recovering from active addiction, fortunately, resources are available to support you throughout your journey. By prioritizing self-care and being proactive, you can make it through the holidays without relapsing to truly enjoy this time of year.
Above all, remember, staying sober this holiday season is a significant strength and something to be proud of! You can do it.
More About Addiction Treatment with MAT Care Clinics
At MAT Care Clinic, our expert clinical team commits to saving lives through medication-assisted therapy, using suboxone and other powerful medications to treat various forms of addiction and improve your outcomes in recovery. Trust us to provide you with the support you need to attain your long-term sobriety goals for a better future today.
To learn more about MAT Care Clinics, contact us here or call us at (833) 622-0628 now.
