Over the years, I have developed my own practices that not only help me stay sane and sober through the holidays, but which also help me enjoy the holidays. While holidays can feel very big, they’re really just another day. Just like drug addiction treatment every other day you have survived sober thus far, you will get through this one, too.

• Before the holidays start, set up a communication plan, whether it’s daily check-ins through text or scheduled phone calls.
• Recognizing these challenges early allows you to build concrete, practical strategies before you are in a high-risk situation.
• Julie is often criticized for her husband’s mistakes within his family.

Create New Sober Traditions

Whatever your non-alcoholic drink of choice is, make sure you have it on hand. Having a drink in your hand may also help you say “no” when people try to offer you drinks. Setting time limits protects your energy and reduces exposure to situations that might become uncomfortable as the evening progresses. Arriving early allows you to leave https://jjjamaicaboats.com/celebrate-sobriety-with-these-gifts-2/ before alcohol consumption intensifies among other guests.

• Avi is originally from New York, and graduated from Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology.
• Here are a few tips that may help you redirect thinking and control urges to use during the holidays.
• This underlines the importance of having a plan to maintain sobriety.

Build a Supportive Network

Connecting with others in recovery transforms the holiday experience from one of isolation to celebration. Sober community events, recovery-focused holiday gatherings, and group activities like hiking or attending concerts provide built-in accountability and shared understanding. sober holidays These connections remind you that staying sober during the holidays is not only possible but can be deeply fulfilling. Whether or not you celebrate Christmas, the holidays can be tough. Between the office parties, family gatherings, and endless social media posts of festive cheer (always with a drink in hand, of course), it can feel like you’re constantly walking into temptation. If you’re in recovery, this time of year can feel overwhelming, but with a little planning and support (like the kind you can get from Affect’s app!), you can have a great sober holiday.

Create Mental Space with Meditation or Mindfulness Techniques

She completed her graduate capstone at Mosaic Community Services, now an affiliate of Sheppard Pratt. He has published and presented research articles in the field of organizational psychology at national healthcare conferences. Dr. Cusner is completing a book on organizational psychology in the healthcare field, which is expected to be published late early summer 2022.