It’s only a sip, and it doesn’t mean you’ve relapsed—or that you should entertain the thought of relapsing now. I don’t mean this to be preachy, but it’s worth saying that if you feel you have a problem with alcohol you can find help here at any time. They can enjoy a glass of wine (or two) without further temptation. Choosing a worthwhile cause, such as serving meals at a local soup kitchen, visiting an elderly neighbor, or assisting at an animal shelter, can be a tremendous help when you’re trying to maintain your sobriety.
You don’t have to live with untreated addiction and mental health issues
But it can also be a very stressful time, particularly for people in recovery from drug or alcohol addiction. Some families might consider the holidays an inappropriate time to help a loved one get into addiction treatment when, in fact, it could be an ideal opportunity. For many of the reasons mentioned earlier, substance abuse tends to ramp up over the holidays. Addiction treatment initiated during the holidays could be the best gift you give to your family, your friends and yourself. 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.
Recovery Advocacy
That usually includes options for people with even the most restrictive diets. You are absolutely allowed to bring your spouse/partner if they are not sober. We are not the alcohol police, and have not yet had an instance where someone’s drinking caused a problem for the group. Located on the white sands of an idyllic beach on the Riviera Maya, offers an exclusive all inclusive experience with a group of fellow Sober Travelers. When it’s time to embark for your Nile River cruise, you’ll be warmly welcomed aboard a beautiful river cruise ship where luxury always means love with AmaWaterways. Marvel at scenic Nile River views in luxury, enjoy regionally inspired entertainment and savor the flavors of both local and Western cuisine on board.
Follow these tips for how to stay sober during the holidays, according to experts
Our telehealth program gives you access to expert medical support, online coaching meetings, anti-craving medications, virtual support groups, and more—all from an app on your smartphone. Planning also involves thinking about who you are going to go on your first sober holiday with. Travelling with those who you trust, have a strong connection with and understand your sobriety can mean the difference between having a great first sober holiday and feeling triggered into relapse. To make your social experience more enjoyable and aligned with your commitment to sobriety, consider bringing your own non-alcoholic beverages to holiday parties. This not only opens up the opportunity to explore and savor new and exciting non-alcoholic concoctions, but it also serves as a statement about your dedication to a sober lifestyle. For those that have been in recovery from substance use disorder for a while, some of the greatest joy and inner freedom has come to you from staying clean and sober.
Having a plan will help you stay focused on your desired outcome – staying sober during the holidays. In this blog, we will delve deep into understanding the challenges of staying sober during holidays and offer practical strategies to help you maintain sobriety. We’ll also explore mindful approaches to sobriety so that you can enjoy the holiday season without compromising your hard-earned progress. There are countless opportunities to serve your community during the holidays. Homeless shelters, recovery programs, community toy drives – volunteer to help others this season and stay out of your head.
- Feelings of loneliness can be triggering for people in recovery, even if they have a solid social support system.
- Valley Hope provides a full continuum of substance abuse care including online addiction treatment through 14 programs across six states including Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas.
- If you want to stay sober during the holidays, look for every opportunity to be of service.
Following a few best practices can help you manage your sobriety successfully during the holidays and start the New Year even stronger in your recovery. If you do attend a party where drinks are served, prepare yourself for the event. Walk through potential party scenarios and how you will react. Plan your arrival and departure, who you will spend time with – and who you will not. Bring your own or select a festive nonalcoholic option and have an exit or even escape strategy if you start to feel anxious.
How to Stay Sober During the Holiday: Mindful Approaches
Samantha Stein, Psy.D., is a psychologist in private practice in San Francisco. She works with couples and individuals, specializing in intimacy, sexuality, and self-realization. If you feel that any of our content is sober holidays inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please contact at One of the ways you can keep yourself on the right track is by forging or leaning on meaningful connections you have with loved ones in your life.
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- This technique involves staying in the moment and quieting your mind.
- Now, more than ever, it’s important to take the time to eat healthy meals, get enough sleep, and incorporate regular exercise into your routine.
- You don’t want to start thinking about your drinking or using days.
