Anticipation, on the other hand, is living with a loose grip and being willing to accept the gift that is the moment at hand. Expectations demand; while anticipation waits in wonder. During the holiday season, remember to regularly take stock of what unmet expectations could be robbing you of your holiday joy. Accepting life on life’s terms requires living with the loose grip of anticipation rather than the tight fist of expectation.
Staying Sober During The Holidays: 12 Tips
We do not set the policies for each destination, that is determined by their individual governments. The majority of guests are members of a 12 step program, but it is not a requirement. Many spouses & partners are not https://ecosoberhouse.com/ members join us on our Sober Vacations and have a blast. Our hope is merely to capture the spirit of the fellowships, and to approach people with the language they commonly use to describe the disease of addiction.
- Or you can connect with a trusted friend or family member who has supported you throughout your recovery journey.
- In the end, the humility you gain will only strengthen your recovery.
- Being the designated driver allows you to be in control of the party’s transportation and avoid any temptations related to alcohol (or drugs for that matter).
- If you are committed to sober holidays one of the best ways to minimize stress in the moment is to practice your response ahead of time.
- Additionally, sharing your sobriety goals with friends and family members can provide a support system and understanding.
- Additionally, staying connected with sober friends and family members can provide much-needed support and understanding.
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Consider playing board games, watching holiday movies, or taking a stroll to gaze at the beautiful lights. Drinking triggers are unique to each individual and it can be hard to resist the urge to partake when they crop up. One thing that helps is thinking about the challenges of past holiday events so you can avoid the same pitfalls.
- You exist outside of yourself, and you begin to notice all the blessings your life already contains.
- You need to investigate and challenge the internal monologue about what you are owed and what you are lacking—some of which might be a carryover from addiction.
- Here are some relapse prevention tips and self-care ideas for the holiday season, or any time.
- Instead of reaching for a drink that may jeopardize your sobriety, opt for soda, hot chocolate, or other alcohol-free beverages.
- Your abstinence did not, in fact, teach you how to control your drinking, because abstinence didn’t rewire your brain to be non-addicted.
- Before your holiday schedule becomes packed with parties, get-togethers, family dinners, and more, commit to getting regular sleep.
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Remind yourself that you are deserving of this connection — deserving of kindness, love, and happiness. Tell them how you are feeling about the upcoming holiday and ask if you can call them if you feel in danger of relapsing. Take the time to connect with a mentor or recovery coach.
In other words, it’s easier than ever to cut back on alcohol or avoid it entirely when you travel, without making compromises on the overall experience. Isolation and loneliness can be major triggers for relapse, especially during the holidays. This can be helpful in times of stress, where you may find sober holidays yourself struggling to think clearly or rationally about how to cope with urges to drink alcohol or use drugs. If you are dreading the upcoming holiday or holiday season, being proactive can help. Making it through the holidays without slipping back into destructive drug or drinking habits is possible.
How to plan an alcohol-free trip for Dry January and beyond
- You may find yourself missing loved ones you have lost or who live far away.
- For a gift exchange, it can be fun to have a white elephant grab bag where everyone brings a gift for under ten dollars.
- Addiction Resource aims to provide only the most current, accurate information in regards to addiction and addiction treatment, which means we only reference the most credible sources available.
- Throw a couple of kids into the mix, plus a pet or two, and you have a recipe for a super meltdown.
- The holiday season can bring with it emotional triggers, anxiety around socializing, and other seasonal stressors that may present a challenge when it comes to staying on track in your recovery.
- Stress is a common trigger for relapse not just during the holidays, but at any point in the recovery process from alcohol or drug addiction.
Ideas to Help You Stay Sober During The Holidays
Tips to Maintain Your Recovery During the Holidays
