Here are seven tried-and-true tips and strategies that will prepare you for the holidays, help you avoid relapse and protect you from any uncomfortable situations. If you’re looking for practical strategies on maintaining your sobriety or supporting a loved one in their recovery, keep reading! I’ve compiled a few tips to help you find peace and maybe even enjoy the season.
- That’s why we have a comprehensive set of treatment providers and don’t charge for inclusion.
- You may need to leave a party early or decline an invitation if it conflicts with a self-care activity.
- But consider what lengths you went to for purposes of your addiction?
- Watch this video to learn the 3 main criteria necessary for porn or sexual behavior to be considered an addiction.
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At Longbranch Recovery, we understand the unique challenges of the holiday season and are here to help you every step of the way. Our team is available 24/7 to provide guidance, encouragement, and resources for you or your loved ones. This holiday season, give yourself the gift of continued progress, self-care, and support.
Creating Meaningful New Traditions
You need to investigate and challenge the internal monologue about what you are owed and what you are lacking—some of which might be a carryover from addiction. Then you can break down those defensive walls and forgive other people, and you can approach the holiday season with a stronger sense of gratitude. Remember, recovery is a journey, not a destination, and every step you take—no matter how small—moves you closer to a healthier, happier life. Focusing on gratitude, staying mindful, and leaning on your support network can help you turn holiday obstacles into opportunities for growth and joy. Staying connected with those who understand what you’re going through is a good way to feel understood, especially this time of year. Attending additional support group meetings, whether in-person or online, to reinforce your commitment to sobriety is a good way to do that.
Recovery Support During the Holidays
- This holiday season, give yourself the gift of continued progress, self-care, and support.
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- Of course, all of this makes me more vulnerable to returning to my old using/medicating behaviors.
- Setting boundaries can be empowering and is one of the best skills you can develop to protect your recovery and mental health, especially during the holidays.
- It’s important to prepare yourself for these feelings and develop healthy ways to respond to them.
Remember, your well-being is the greatest gift you can give reframing holidays in early recovery yourself and your loved ones. Those who are supportive of your recovery want to know what you need. Let a close friend know that you need an accountability partner to attend an event with you.
By preparing for potential triggers, prioritizing self-care, building a strong support system, and embracing new, meaningful traditions, you can navigate this time of year with confidence and purpose. To deal with stress, some try to limit time at family events. Some plan extra therapy sessions before the holidays to try to smooth things over in advance. Others spend time with their “recovery families” instead, and go to sober events. For example, most cities have holiday recovery-a-thons (24-hour recovery meeting events) for the exact reason that this is such a difficult time for people in recovery.
If you’re concerned about others knowing, find meetings that occur earlier in the morning or later in the day when you will not be missed from family gatherings. You mean you want me to go to meetings while I’m on vacation?! But consider what lengths you went to for purposes of your addiction? Maybe going to some meetings while you’re celebrating the holiday season isn’t asking too much. Remember, the holidays can be tricky, but they don’t have to be overwhelming. If you take care of yourself and pay attention to your triggers, there is no reason why you can’t stay in recovery throughout this time of year!
Some families might consider the holidays an inappropriate time to help a loved one get into addiction treatment when, in fact, it could be an ideal opportunity. For many of the reasons mentioned earlier, substance abuse tends to ramp up over the holidays. Addiction treatment initiated during the holidays could be the best gift you give to your family, your friends and yourself.
Living With a Recovering Addict – Dos and Don’ts
Yet the holidays, especially during early recovery, can be a time of great joy and celebration even as you struggle with your addiction. The following tips may help you make new holiday traditions as you work to build your new life in the New Year. The holiday season revolves around unrelenting themes of gratitude, abundance, and celebration. Let go of past holiday habits that may have involved unhealthy behaviors and replace them with activities that bring joy and meaning to your life.
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When you’re newly recovering from an addiction, though, this time of year can be dangerous – deadly for some of us. The extra stress, painful memories, and increased triggers create a combination ripe for relapse and for so many addicts, relapse means big consequences. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, don’t hesitate to seek help and support. Your journey to recovery is a path toward a brighter and more fulfilling future, and the holiday season can be a season of healing and transformation.
- You don’t need the added stress of putting on a brave face for people who don’t honor where you’re at.
- Crafting your holiday relapse prevention plan will help you anticipate your every move, so you can stay away from the substances that once caused you irreparable harm.
- What’s more, we can help you recover a life of meaning, purpose, and joy.
- Spending time with family members and friends can make you feel uncomfortable, stressed, and almost on-the-edge.
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Acknowledging Substance abuse how far you’ve come reinforces your commitment to recovery and sets the tone for the future. One of the most rewarding aspects of your first sober holiday season is the chance to redefine what these celebrations mean to you. By embracing activities that align with your values and recovery, you can create lasting, positive memories. The holidays can bring triggers, whether it’s seeing old drinking buddies, being around alcohol, or feeling stressed.