When you’re in recovery for a drug or alcohol addiction, one of the greatest feelings is when you meet your milestones. It feels good to see the hard work from drug rehab in Arizona pay off! But there are certain times of the year that can make it harder to stay sober, and the holidays are one of them.
Whether it’s expectations from family members, tight schedules, an empty bank account or something else, the holidays can quickly change your mindset and make it easier to slip back into old habits. Below are some tried-and-true strategies for staying clean and sober over the holidays.
Plan Ahead and Have an Escape Plan
It’s good to get out and involve yourself in some ‘normal’ holiday traditions, though you’ll have to be careful about the events you attend. Many holiday parties center around drinking, which means people will likely be offering you drinks. Plan for uncomfortable situations and triggering environments that can set back your recovery.
To do this, you’ll need to plan ahead and have an escape plan. For instance, you might want to attend a 12-step meeting beforehand or invite a sober companion to tag along. It’s also a good idea to take your own car so that you can leave when you want. Be prepared to refuse alcohol and have an escape plan if you start to feel uncomfortable.
Increase Your Support System
Now is the time to be close to your support system. Keep the lines of communication open so that you can share your concerns and frustrations with loved ones. Your sponsor and 12-step group are also good sources of support. In fact, many members from your group have probably gone through several holidays sober and can offer you tips on how to manage stress.
Know Your Limits
Be mindful of your limits. If you have relatives that drive you crazy, it’s best to limit your time with them. Also avoid sensitive topics involving politics, religion, family issues, weight, etc. Some people have strong opinions on these matters, and you don’t want to find yourself in a frustrating discussion. If triggering topics are brought up, you can excuse yourself or simply say, “I’m not discussing this right now.”
Bring Along Your Own Drinks
To avoid being asked over and over again if you’d like a drink, bring along your own festive beverage. You can make a non-alcoholic punch or treat yourself to your favorite soda or flavored water. In reality, most people don’t care what’s in your glass. But if they see you without a drink, they may continue to push you.
Consider Going to Drug Rehab in Arizona
If you’re really struggling over the holidays, you may want to consider a rehabilitation program. Outpatient programs are flexible and convenient. You can still be home for the holidays while getting support several hours a week. Addiction is powerful during the holidays, and you don’t want it to interfere with your recovery. Going to drug rehab in AZ will also cover you after Christmas and into New Year’s.
Rewrite Your Holiday Traditions
It can also help to start new holiday traditions, especially if your old traditions were centered around drinking. Rewriting the holidays can also help you deal with the emotions and expectations you have wrapped up in the holidays. Instead of sitting around a table with alcohol and tipsy family members, you might find it better to do something different, such as see a movie that opens on Christmas Day.
Wolf Creek Recovery is a dual diagnosis treatment center that treats substance use and mental health disorders. We will be open during the holidays. If you need additional support, don’t hesitate to contact us at 833-732-8202. You can still enjoy the holidays while being connected to group therapy and peer support services.
Finding purpose in pain is what Jonathon does best. He is a strong advocate for those suffering from substance use disorders. As a person in recovery, Jonathon knows how important it is to receive empathy and compassion. He recognizes that each person comes from a different set of circumstances and deserves to be valued and respected.
With a fresh perspective and compassionate attitude, Jonathon works closely with clients to help them let go of the past and know when to take necessary risks. The recovery process is ongoing, which means people need to move forward while applying the skills learned in treatment. Jonathon is a great motivator when it comes time for this!
Jonathon also places emphasis on the family unit and how it can make or break the recovery experience. Individuals with active, supportive families have far better outcomes. Jonathon realizes that it’s impossible to move mountains overnight, but with the right support team and positive attitude, anything is possible.
