The holiday season can be warm and joyful, it can also be challenging and stressful. If there is any anxiety around holiday events for you or your loved one, here are 12 tips to stay sober and enjoy your season!
- Line up extra activities with your friends and community members who are also in recovery, hosting a party or even coffee is a plus.
- Schedule volunteering opportunities to help the less fortunate.
- Keep your telephone list of sober support people with you at all times. If panic or the urge to drink or use arises, put everything on hold until you’ve spoken with someone on your list.
- Seek holiday parties, meetings, and events by clean and sober groups in your area. A bonus is to take someone newer than you are.
- Pass on any event that makes you nervous about the pressure of drinking. No party is worth risking your life.
- If you have to go to a drinking party and can’t take a community member in recovery, bring a comfort such as candy, mala beads, a meaningful coin, etc.
- Don’t feel like you need to stay long at these parties. You can plan an “important date” you have to keep.
- Connect to something greater than yourself- a community, a hobby, a purpose, a higher power, etc.
- Avoid ruminating in negative emotions.
- If anxiety, negativity, or temptation, arise, remember: One minute or one day at a time.
- Enjoy the good moments, cherish quality time with loved ones. In sobriety you may be able to give the greatest gifts of presence and love.
- Find ways to help others have a tranquil and joyous holiday season, especially those in recovery.
If you or someone you know is seeking treatment from a substance use disorder, co-occurring issues, or other addictions, don’t wait. About 261 Americans die every day from excessive alcohol use (CDC). Contact our admissions director at 480-595-2222.
This article was inspired by A.A. World Services, Inc.