Tips for Staying Sober During the Holidays

sober holidays

Packed airports, tight schedules, liquid lunch for Aunt Sally. Everyone is running on empty, and the annual fight is just waiting to happen. The center opened in 2010, and offers programs through the university’s sober holidays College of Continuing and Professional Studies. Sober Holidays Tip #14 Bring recovery reading when you travel. Get ebook versions of The Big Book, The Recovery Book, and other recovery literature on your phone or ebook reader before you leave town. You, nor your loved one, are under any obligation to commit to a Treatment X treatment program when calling the helpline.

  • If you come prepared to protect your sobriety, you should be able to outmaneuver addiction and avoid any potential relapses.
  • The rise of sober travel comes amid changing attitudes around alcohol and its effects.

Patient Care Network

sober holidays

For those in early recovery, life is planned around maintaining freedom from addiction. As such, taking a holiday can seem like https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/how-long-does-fentanyl-stay-in-your-system/ a frightening prospect. The choosing of a place to stay, the packing, the travelling from A to B, the pressure to have a good time, and, most significantly, the prevention of relapse.

Which Holidays Are Tough For People In Recovery?

Be conscious of your evolving needs for emotional and physical space, and give yourself the gift of that space as necessary. We Love Lucid, which launched in 2019, and Hooked, founded in 2021, are among the alcohol-free tour operators that have debuted in recent years. Discover what to do after alcohol detox treatment for lasting recovery and a healthier, supportive lifestyle. Dive into the science and impact of social media addiction, plus effective strategies to regain control.

  • Overall, sober holidays provide numerous benefits that enhance personal growth and well-being, making them an attractive option for individuals seeking to celebrate the season meaningfully and healthily.
  • Here are some practical tips to enhance the experience of celebrating without substances.
  • Remember, it’s okay to retreat to an earlier Recovery Zone for a few weeks.

Behavioral Addictions And The Holidays

  • Discover why inpatient detox for alcohol offers critical support for effective recovery and lasting change.
  • Many social events are centered around alcohol, creating potential triggers that can complicate sobriety efforts.
  • While some people experience an uptick in social engagements around the holidays, others may feel especially isolated.
  • The winter holidays can be difficult if you are new to sobriety, or if you tend to have a more difficult time with mental health during the winter months.

If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please contact at Have a bedtime routine that allows you enough time to process what happened during the day. Writing down your plans ahead of time can give you a roadmap for what to do when and if you encounter specific situations. Sober Holidays Tip #11 Be sure there is plenty of light in your life. Keep the lights bright at home, try to get out when the sun is shining, light a cheery fire in the fireplace. Winter solstice darkness and drabness can be psychologically (and physiologically) depressing.

How To Stay Sober During The Holidays

Sometimes we get caught up in how we have always celebrated the holidays. Caring for yourself will give you the reserves to manage both holiday stress and drinking urges and help you to feel your best throughout the season. Let’s not forget the usual holiday stress from shopping, decorating, baking, expenses, family dynamics, etc. It can be tempting to have “just one drink” to take the edge off. Pressure to drink (real or perceived) can make some gatherings feel uncomfortable and downright stressful.

sober holidays

Explore if alcohol-induced afib can be reversed, the connection between alcohol and AFib, and treatments. Discover what happens if someone drinks too much Robitussin, including serious risks and health impacts. Explore how spirituality and recovery intertwine to enhance well-being, health outcomes, and holistic patient care.

Historical Figures in Addiction Treatment

Darci Murray, founder of the alcohol-free travel company Hooked, said that participants on her trips often include people who drink occasionally but are interested in making a shift when they’re on vacation. Discover how historical figures in addiction treatment shaped recovery approaches and societal perspectives. Uncover why prescription drugs are so commonly abused, from misuse to prevention strategies.

Support Our Mission

sober holidays

Explore the difference between disordered eating vs eating disorder, their impacts, and where to seek help. Explore the financial consequences of addiction, its impact on families, and resources for recovery in Kansas. Explore top trauma therapy types and their effectiveness in healing.

So why put yourself in the position of having to “power through” an obstacle course of relapse triggers? Staying sober and safeguarding your recovery must always come first. At family gatherings and social events, tote around your favorite non-alcoholic drink. People won’t feel so inclined to offer you a drink, and they won’t get the chance to pester you about your sobriety. Speak with a sober friend or sponsor about the emotions and expectations you have wrapped up in the holidays—especially if you feel resentful, or if you replay in your mind old childhood experiences and memories. 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.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

2 × 1 =