Avish 
The holiday period can be difficult for those recovering from addiction. There are so many temptations and triggers all around us it can be hard to stay sober. However, you can make it through without relapsing with preparation and planning. Below are some critical tips to help you stay abstinent all the holidays.
Helpful 7 Tips to Stay Sober Through the Holiday Season
1. Have a Plan
It’s a tough time for people in recovery, as there are often more opportunities to drink. It’s important to have a strategy in place for how you will stay sober during this time. This may involve attending more meetings, reaching out to your sponsor or sober support network, and avoiding situations where you know there will be drinking.
2. Be Honest With Yourself and Others
The holidays can be when people feel pressure to drink, even if they don’t want to. Being honest about your triggers and desire to stay sober is important. If you’re invited to an event where you know there will be drinking, declining the invitation is okay. You don’t owe anyone an explanation for your decision not to drink.
3. Avoid High-Risk Situations
Certain situations are more likely to lead to drinking, such as being around people drinking heavily or being in places where alcohol is readily available. If you can, it’s best to avoid these situations altogether. For example, if you get in a situation where there is drinking, try to stay away from the area where the alcohol is being served and focus on spending time with people who are also staying sober.
4. Have a Support System
The holiday rest can be a lonely time for people in recovery, as many of their friends and family members may still be drinking. It’s important to have a supportive network of people who understand what you’re going through and can offer encouragement and advice. This may include attending meetings, talking to your sponsor or therapist, or joining a sober online community.
5. Be Mindful of Your Triggers
Certain things may trigger your desire to drink, such as certain people, places, or things associated with drinking. It’s essential to be informed of the triggers and plan how to deal with them if they arise. This may involve avoiding certain situations altogether or having a plan for how you will deal with them if they do come up.
6. Take Care of Yourself
The holiday period can be a stressful time of year, which can make sobriety more difficult. It’s important to take care of yourself physically and emotionally during this time. This may involve exercise, relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation, healthy eating, and getting enough sleep.
7. Seek Professional Help
During the holidays, it can be especially difficult to stay sober. There are endless opportunities to drink or use substances between parties and gatherings. But if you are committed to staying sober this holiday season, there are a few tips that you can follow to keep yourself on track. One of the most important things is to seek professional help. You can access tools and resources like medication assisted treatment. This can help you stay focused and motivated throughout this challenging time. Also, sticking with your regular recovery routines is important, such as attending support group meetings or connecting with supportive friends or family members.
Conclusion
The holiday period is a time for family, friends, and fun. It is also a trigger season for those in recovery. Thankfully, following the tips we’ve outlined above, you can stay sober through the holidays and enjoy all this special time of year has to offer. From making a plan to attending extra meetings, you can do plenty of things to keep yourself on track. So take care of yourself this holiday season and make sobriety your top priority.
About Author
