The holiday season can be one of the most magical times of the year. However, the holidays can also be a stressful time for just about anyone. But what about having sober holidays? What happens when someone in recovery is faced with the stresses that come along with this wonderful season? Alcohol tends to be a staple at family functions, especially at this time of year. With the alcohol flowing, and chaos at an all-time high, how does one attend functions where alcohol is present and not drink? Trying to maintain sobriety through the holidays can sometimes prove to be a challenging feat. How do you make it through the chaos and craziness of the season?
Tips to Making it Through the Holidays Sober
Maintaining sobriety presents a challenge on any given day. Add the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping, travel arrangements, and spending copious amounts of time with family you don’t normally have to be around, and it’s a possible recipe for relapse. Having the right skills and plan for staying sober during the holidays will be highly beneficial for success.
Stay Connected
Having a support system is vital for anyone trying to maintain sobriety on a normal day. This is especially vital to experiencing sober holidays. Having a cell phone handy while you’re in a situation can be helpful as there will be a few sober supports that you can contact and talk through any desires or thoughts to pick up a drink, or when you may feel overwhelmed. Being able to step away from the situation and make a phone call to get through the moment will help you make it through the holidays while maintaining sobriety. Also, an effective aftercare program can be of help.
Attend Events with Sober Supports or a Sponsor
If you are staying local to your support system rather than traveling for the holidays can allow your support group to attend functions with you. Having a strong sober support right there with you can help you to feel more comfortable times. Trying to stay away from alcohol is a challenge when facing situations alone, and having someone who understands and is in the same position as you by your side can help you have successfully sober holidays.
Have a Safe Space
Most people need a place that they can retreat to that they consider to be safe. This still holds true for people in recovery. When traveling for the holidays it can be highly beneficial to book and stay in a hotel room rather than in a chaotic and alcohol fueled environment. Family and friends may not understand the importance of your need for space, and insist that they have a room for you. However, when it comes down to it, having your own space, away from the chaos of family gathering will help you when things become too much.
Be Honest About Your Feelings
Being around alcohol for extended periods of time can sometimes make drinking seem like a viable option, like you can have just one drink and everything will be okay. This is a dangerous thought process. Being honest on these thoughts and feelings can help you to talk through the moments where drinking seems like a good idea, and help you to realize that even just one drink can lead you down a dangerous path.
Keep Non-Alcoholic Beverages and Snacks Handy
This is going to be one of the biggest tools you can have under your belt when trying to stay sober through the holidays. After all, when your hands are filled with alcohol-free beverages and snacks, there’s no room for alcoholic beverages.Â
Have an Escape Plan
Attending holiday parties can get to be overwhelming, especially when the beer and liquor are flowing and people are getting intoxicated. Implementing these steps can help you to have a viable and accessible escape plan:
- Try to have your own transportation to make it so you can arrive and exit the party when you want to avoid overwhelming situations.
- If your own transportation is not possible, try to have a plan in place, whether that be Uber or a taxi, or even a friend willing to pick you up.
- Only share personal information that you are comfortable sharing. You are not obligated to tell anyone anything about your recovery.
- Prepare a response for when people offer you drinks. Not everyone understands the magnitude of your issues surrounding alcohol.
- Have a plausible and direct exit strategy. Make sure you can remove yourself from situations that may be detrimental to your sobriety.
Get Help for Addiction Help in Nashville, TN
If you are struggling with alcohol, there is help. If you are concerned with a loved one’s drinking habits, there is help. Here at Brentwood Springs, we offer a continuum of care to help those seeking to stop drinking to find sobriety and maintain a sober lifestyle. Our team of professionals is here to help guide you through this process of beginning your recovery journey. Contact us today to begin your new, alcohol-free life.