Choosing recovery close to home means your support system is just a few miles away. Her mother-in-law makes hateful comments in Julie’s direction regarding everything from her parenting to her weight. Julie is often criticized for her husband’s mistakes within his family. She’s seen as the reason he drinks and gets in trouble. She’s allowed us to share her story, but we’ve changed her name to protect her anonymity.

Stay safe and avoid addictions

If you’ve been misusing alcohol or drugs for a while, your brain may need several months or even longer to set itself https://ecosoberhouse.com/ right. Additionally, these events may bring back challenging memories or emotions. Nostalgia or recalling past holiday celebrations that involved substance use may be triggering for individuals in recovery. The result is an increasing pressure to drink, both from the social circle and from within.

Navigating Celebrations in Recovery

• Something that can be easily prevented oftentimes leads to serious physical, emotional, and financial consequences and those consequences are sometimes fatal.
• For some people, sobriety means abstaining from all drugs and alcohol.
• #EndTheStreakTX asks all Texans to commit to driving safely to help end the streak of daily deaths on Texas roadways.

If you’re new to sobriety, read more about how to stay sober for the Fourth of July. For many people, including those in recovery, the holidays stir up difficult memories. Holiday parties often include alcohol and can be tricky to navigate for people who are in any stage of the recovery process.

Addiction and Mental Health Resources

Texas Department of Transportation is launching its statewide Drive Sober. Campaign in an effort to remind drivers to never get behind the wheel after drinking, either over the holidays or at any other time of the year. The mind and body are deeply connected when it comes to relaxation. Benson’s research sober holidays shows that when the relaxation response is activated, it’s not just your mind that benefits—your entire body responds. Your heart rate slows, your muscles relax, and stress hormones decrease. While alcohol may offer temporary relief, it doesn’t engage this powerful mind-body connection in the same way.

Having A Fun Sober Holiday

Being aware of your triggers, and making a plan to combat or respond to urges in the moment, can help you prepare to face these challenges head-on. With treatment, people learn how to manage co-occurring disorders without the use of addictive substances. Take our short alcohol quiz to learn where you fall on the drinking spectrum and if you might benefit from quitting or cutting back on alcohol. No matter how hectic things get, be sure to carve out time for self-care between social engagements. Taking time to meditate, get some exercise, practice a favorite hobby, or even just catch your breath can go a long way.

How can I enjoy New Year’s Eve while staying sober?

Being involved in your community can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment. When you experience a relapse, taking more self-care can help you physically, mentally, and emotionally. Consider things like getting more sleep, eating a balanced diet, and exercising regularly. Identifying these factors can help you avoid them in the future.

• No matter what holiday you celebrate, this time of the year can be very stressful if you are recovering from drug or alcohol addiction.
• Volunteering offers several health benefits, including a lower risk of depression and anxiety, and it’s a great way to meet people.
• The holidays may bring negative thoughts or unhappy memories to the forefront.
• You have everything you need within you to experience true calm, no matter where you are or what’s going on around you.
• Schedule a call with your sponsor on the morning of the holiday.
• You may need to take a break from the party or leave early.
• Use the opportunity to engage deeper into your AA or recovery support group.

Engaging in activities that bring you joy and nourish your mind, body, and soul can help you find alternative sources of holiday cheer. Consider pursuing hobbies or interests that you can enjoy without alcohol or drugs, like hiking, painting, cooking, or practicing yoga. There are many ways to spread joy, especially through community service or through simply helping others. The holiday offers many opportunities for spiritual growth.

My Loved One Needs Help

Moreover, focusing on the pleasant experience of non-alcoholic drinks and meals increases your satisfaction and reduces the fear of missing out on festive alcohol consumption. Use “I” statements like “I feel uncomfortable when…” or “I’d prefer…” to clearly communicate needs without unnecessary drama. Most importantly, avoid accusatory or judgemental language.

• You don’t want to start thinking about your drinking or using days.
• Remember, the disease of addiction is as powerful the day after a holiday as it is the day of and the day before.
• If pride is a factor, imagine a time in the future when you will be the one helping another family in need.
• That’s what a recovery friend called Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s.
• And keep up with your exercise routine whether that means taking a daily walk or going to the gym.

If someone pushes your boundaries, don’t feel bad about stepping away or leaving the situation altogether. Whether it’s no alcohol around you, needing to leave an event early, or avoiding specific topics of conversation, be specific and clear. The helpline at AddictionResource.net is available 24/7 to discuss the treatment needs of yourself or a loved one. This helpline is answered by Legacy Healing Center, an addiction treatment provider with treatment facilities in California, Florida, Ohio, and New Jersey. Don’t worry about facing this holiday season in recovery alone. Consider looking for additional support during the holidays through a recovery support group, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA).