The holiday season can be an exciting time to visit with family and celebrate the happy memories of the passing year. However, happy times can come with a lot of stress. Family expectations, financial burdens, holiday travel, and just being out of your usual routine can increase your stress levels, making it more difficult to maintain sobriety. But these tips can help you make it to the new year still sober!
1. Create a Holiday Plan
Plan ahead for holiday-themed parties where an uncomfortable situation or trigger might happen. If a family member might offer you a drink at a holiday party, consider how you can politely decline. Talk with your sponsor or a sober friend in advance, letting them know you will call them during or when leaving the party for support.
If you have a plan to respond to these situations ahead of time, there is less chance of being surprised. Being prepared with a response, or knowing you can call your sponsor or sober friend reduces risk of relapse. Remember, if an event or party is too uncomfortable, or you are feeling triggered, you can leave earlier than planned, so you stay on track! Have an exit plan in place!
2. Focus on Serving Others
Look for opportunities to be of service to others at holiday events, such as, serving meals at your local homeless shelter, talking to someone new at a meeting, or spending time with an elderly loved one. It helps us change our mindset from resentment, self-pity, or fear into a mindset of gratitude. It will help you feel connection with others, increase your empathy, and help you see value in others. As your mindset moves to one of gratitude, it will be easier to notice the blessings in your life!
3. Seek Out Support beforehand
If you are feeling anxious surrounding the holidays, talk to a sponsor or friend ahead of time. Many people have expectations of the holidays that cause fear or anxiety. Talking to a sponsor, friend, or counselor ahead of time, may help you identify the root cause of how you are feeling and help you with facing your fears with a positive attitude.
4. Bring a Non-Alcoholic Drink With You to Events
If you are attending an event with family or friends who do not know you are sober and may offer you a drink, plan ahead and bring your own non-alcoholic drink. If you already have a drink in your hand, others are less likely to offer you a drink or pressure you into drinking alcohol. And, you'll have a drink you already know you like!
5. Be Deliberate About Self-Care
Make sure you are taking care of yourself through the holiday season! That can include eating a balanced diet to get proper nutrition, exercise gently, getting enough sleep, and doing some self-reflection and connect with those you love. Make time to practice quiet meditation, even if only for a few minutes. The better shape your body and mind are in, the easier it will be to stay on track with your sobriety!
6. Seek Outside Help
Remember that resources are available if you need help maintaining or developing sobriety. Alluvion Health offers Substance Use Disorder Services from harm reduction to long-term support. Alluvion Health provides same-day appointments and after-hours care if you need help during the holidays. Call 406.454.6973 today to schedule an appointment with one of our trained addiction counselors.
