Their goal is to provide society with an exciting, upbeat alternative to the bar scene. Seeing family, visiting old friends, having unfulfilled expectations, maybe missing a loved one you lost this year — it can all lead to tension and sadness, as well as thoughts of using. Plus, temptation seems to be everywhere…given all the holiday parties you might be expected to attend.
What Are Signs Of Addiction Relapse?
Still, it never hurts to jot down a few more polite responses in your playbook. The pressures and high expectations we place on the holiday season sometimes cause us to feel overwhelmed with stress and anxiety rather than merriment. Start planning your strategy now, with these #soberholidays tips from The Recovery Book and the workbook companion My Life in Recovery.
Tips for a Merry, Sober, and Safe Holiday Season
At least 7 in 10 Americans say alcohol has a negative impact on drinkers and society, per Gallup. Research published by JAMA Pediatrics shows that the rate of alcohol abstinence is increasing among young adults. Like other forms of recreation, travel is now under the influence of the growing “sober-curious movement,” giving rise to new ways of exploring the world without the risk of a hangover.
What To Expect After Setting Boundaries
Some triggers can be more general, like being at a bar, while others can be very personal to your own experience, such as being with someone you used to drink heavily with. If you’re new to sobriety, read more about how to stay sober for the Fourth of July. The holidays aren’t just about celebrating — they’re also often about giving gifts. Financial strain is a common stressor during the holidays. Finally, Murray of Hooked https://ecosoberhouse.com/ recommends that you research which bars and restaurants in your destination have exciting nonalcoholic options. She has noticed an uptick in booze-free dining throughout Europe and the United States, and said she only expects sober travel to become easier in the coming years.
Want to stay sober? Stay helpful
- All of my friends were still sleeping off their hangovers by the time I’d had breakfast, read the paper and written an article.
- Whether you fancy a break from alcohol or simply want to supplement your drinking time with other fun pursuits.
- Still, it never hurts to jot down a few more polite responses in your playbook.
- Spend time with people who you feel comfortable around, people who lift you up instead of bringing you down.
Fortunately, there sober holidays are various ways to handle stressful situations and communicate openly with your loved ones. If you’re sober, this can feel isolating and may bring up feelings of stress, frustration, and sadness. CATCH Recovery has curated a list of recommended sober holidays for people in recovery so they can be guided and helped to find the right sober holiday for them.
Next Steps
The best way to get through a sober holiday season, or any other holiday, is to take time to look after your own needs. The chemicals in the drink will change the way a person thinks and feels. Your body chemistry is altered when under the influence, same as any street drug. When it’s time to take your recovery seriously, it’s time to enter an alcohol detox center. Research the facilities in your area and determine which one is going to suit your needs.
Support For Staying Sober During The Holidays
Taking time to meditate, get some exercise, practice a favorite hobby, or even just catch your breath can go a long way. With others, self-care, and having fun in recovery will be addressed. All are welcome at the best sober dance party in the country! Explore the issues facing queer people of color in the rooms of recovery. Check out all of the great and fun restaurants in Hell’s Kitchen!
- At family gatherings and social events, tote around your favorite non-alcoholic drink.
- Sacrificing for others is the fastest way to take our focus off ourselves and shift it to the world around us.
- Additionally, there has also been an abrupt increase in mental health issues and other life stressors that could lead some to self-medicate.
- Find some quiet time each day for relaxation and meditation—if only for a few minutes, no matter how busy you are.
- Maybe you need a few minutes to meditate before going to bed.
- This had its benefits, I finally started writing that book I’d been talking about for years, but on the other hand I found myself isolated from my friends and my old haunts.
Make a plan now for how you will deal with these events; maybe you’ll go to some extra meetings before you travel, and plan to call your sponsor or a fellowship friend if anything does happen. Or maybe you’ll investigate online meetings now, before anything happens, so you can go to a meeting at a moment’s notice. Remember, it’s okay to retreat to an earlier Recovery Zone for a few weeks. But it can also be a very stressful time, particularly for people in recovery from drug or alcohol addiction. For many of us, the holidays are a season of peace and joy, where we decorate our memories with calm and happy moments.
Maintaining our connections to others is part of staying present and accountable for our recovery. Sober Holidays Tip #15 Remember that being in recovery doesn’t mean instant heaven or a perfect life. The Smart Party is the original alcohol free meetup group. The group offers events for those committed to an alcohol free lifestyle. They gather to participate in social activities such as parties, dances, and meeting in cafes, tea salons, yoga and dance studios. They are quick to point out that this is not a sobriety or recovery group, but open to all adults over 21 who don’t require liquid drugs in order to enjoy life.
