How to Maintain Sobriety During the Holidays

Pathways Recovery Centers • November 19, 2021

4 Tips for Maintaining Sobriety During the Holidays

The holiday season is a joyous one that brings with it excitement and merriment.

However, this season can be one of the toughest times of the year for those in recovery.

Maintaining sobriety during the holidays can be difficult with busy schedules, added stressors, and the festivities that people have to attend.

While many people in recovery fall off the wagon during the holiday season, this isn’t an eventuality. There are ways you can prepare for the stressful time ahead and make it through this time with your sobriety intact.

The key to maintaining long-term sobriety is being emotionally and mentally prepared to handle the stressors that come along with the holiday season.

From choosing which gatherings to attend to relying on your support system, the following are some of our tips on how to maintain sobriety during this stressful and overwhelming time.

1. Avoid Triggers That Can Lead To Relapse

There are a number of triggers you can face that can threaten your goal of maintaining long-term sobriety.

Emotional triggers can be overwhelming and are compounded by stress. If you’re aware of specific triggers, be sure to avoid them.

These could be family members who evoke feelings of shame and guilt or specific situations that are reminiscent of pre-sobriety days. If avoiding them is the best way to deal with the stress of the holidays, don’t hesitate to do so.

Put yourself and your sobriety first during this difficult time.

2. Rely On Your Support System

The holiday season is a busy one that is filled with triggers for those in recovery.

From parties with alcohol and other substances to arguments with family and friends, maintaining sobriety during the holidays can be extremely challenging.

It’s more important than ever to rely on your support system at this time.

Whether it’s reaching out to your sponsor or sobriety coach or holding yourself accountable by attending 12-step meetings or checking in with supportive friends, it’s essential to rely on others instead of facing this difficult time alone.

If you’re traveling and are in another city, do your research ahead of time and attend 12-step meetings there as well.

3. Use Props at Holiday Parties

Holiday parties are filled with alcohol, and it can be tempting to have a drink when people keep insisting you have one.

It can also be embarrassing or awkward to explain your situation if you’re among people who aren’t familiar with your recovery.

One way of maintaining sobriety during the holidays is to use a prop at parties. When you arrive at a party, get a non-alcoholic beverage such as soda or sparkling water.

As this prop is in your hands, people will less likely offer you drinks.

4. Pick and Choose Which Gatherings You Attend

We know that the holiday season is full of events and gatherings.

From November to January, there’s always some party or event that you must attend. However, it’s important to remember that it’s okay to say no when invited to a gathering.

You can pick and choose the gatherings to attend and the ones to politely decline.

If you’re faced with a gathering that will trigger you, remove yourself from the situation and don’t risk your sobriety.

Conclusion

This time of year can be a difficult one, and it’s essential to prepare beforehand so that you can deal with triggers and maintain long-term sobriety.

If you or a loved one has fallen off the wagon and requires addiction treatment, don’t hesitate to contact us at Pathways Recovery Centers.

We offer both alcohol rehab and drug rehab programs and have a team of experts who can help you decide whether you’re best suited for inpatient treatment, outpatient treatment, or medically-monitored detoxification.