If you’re in a situation where your friends prefer to drink on Halloween, think about inviting new acquaintances you met at your alcohol and drug treatment center. A sober Halloween party gives you the opportunity to set the rules and design an evening that doesn’t involve any of your triggers. But people in recovery can also be a time of temptation and relapse. So here are some ways to stay sober during the holiday season. Staying sober during the holiday season can be challenging, but with a little planning and support, it’s possible to enjoy the festivities while maintaining a sober life. One of the best ways to navigate this time of year is to plan sober holiday parties that offer alcohol-free options for guests.

What to Do in Case of A Relapse

Moore thinks events like this help bring their community together. When she started getting into treatment, she showed up to sober events like the Recovery https://ecosoberhouse.com/ Rally in Fairborn. Get into the Halloween spirit by visiting haunted houses in your area. These Halloween activities can put you in a Halloween mood.

Stay Connected To Your Recovery Community

Most people with addiction expect their upside-down world to immediately turn right side up. If you’ve been misusing alcohol or drugs for a while, your brain may need several months or even longer to set itself right. Your recovery creates a bridge to all areas of normal living which includes holidays.

• Such triggers can be emotional (e.g., loneliness, anxiety, depression) or physical (e.g., fatigue, poor sleeping habits).
• Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Al-Anon, and other 12-step recovery groups put extra meetings into place either in person or over the phone during the holidays.
• Addiction is also often a lonely and isolating disease.
• Instead of dreading the onset of a holiday, spend the time planning, thinking through possible outcomes, and what to do in response.
• Don’t force yourself if you’re uncomfortable attending a party or event.

Replies to “37 Ideas to Help You Stay Sober During The Holidays”

• Generally, holidays are viewed as time away from the routine of everyday life, having fun with those closest to us, and returning home rejuvenated.
• Remember, urges will pass and this time of year will pass.
• The choosing of a place to stay, the packing, the travelling from A to B, the pressure to have a good time, and, most significantly, the prevention of relapse.
• He suggested recommending alternative events such as “watching holiday movies, baking, attending light festivals, or volunteering.”

If you know the holiday is going to be difficult, attend a meeting the night before. Schedule a call with your sponsor on the morning of the holiday. Take a breather from the party and make an outreach call during the event. Schedule coffee with a recovery friend or make a counseling appointment the day after the holiday. Don’t expect your family to instantly offer you the support you need. When the holidays get busy, it’s tempting to skip meetings, counseling appointments, and outreach calls.

Your supportive friends will understand what sober living means for you. Prioritize your addiction recovery over sober holidays other peoples’ misguided notions of fun. The holidays don’t have to be difficult for people in recovery.

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Living with addiction takes the strength of a superhero, regardless of if you are the addict or the loved one. Throw a couple of kids into the mix, plus a pet or two, and you have a recipe for a super meltdown. Luckily, community agencies can help in situations like this. It’s not your fault you are facing the challenge of addiction.

Surviving the Holidays: Tips for Staying Healthy and Sober

• Odds are, it’ll get you in the spirit of the season, and bring back fond memories.
• Relapse tends to mean that you need more substance abuse treatment.
• So many of us have spent years pleasing others, only to drive ourselves deeper into addiction.
• Still, it never hurts to jot down a few more polite responses in your playbook.
• Here are some mindful strategies and practices to consider to remain engaged in our traditions without succumbing to triggers, temptations, and traps that no longer serve us.