Whether you’re currently struggling with substance abuse or on the road to recovery, these tips for staying sober during the holidays can help tremendously as autumn and winter approach. This time of year can be a significant challenge for those abstaining from drugs or alcohol, as a number of stressors can arise from holiday festivities, family gatherings, office parties, and other demanding circumstances that often come with their share of temptation and social pressure. To ensure a healthy and sustained recovery, here are some ways to stay sober during the holidays and into the new year.

Maintaining Sobriety during the Holidays

There are plenty of helpful and healthy ways to stay sober throughout the holiday season. You can enjoy this special time with friends and loved ones while keeping your priorities where they need to be. These strategies are just a few suggestions:

• Planning Ahead – The ability to properly plan ahead is so beneficial for staying sober during the holidays, as it allows you to stay in control of what’s going on, and to be prepared for various festivities before they take place. Whether this is planning on arriving late and leaving early for a party, driving yourself, coordinating with a buddy, or even being conscious about triggers, you can prepare your mind and be more ready to handle the event when it happens.

• Holiday Self-Care – Taking care of yourself should always be a priority, but this is especially true during the holidays. Don’t feel guilty for skipping out on a work party, and take the necessary time to relax and restore your body and mind. Be sure to eat well, sleep well, and give yourself the gift of time to do what YOU want to do.

• Give Back by Helping – Keep your mind occupied this season and consider helping others in whatever way you can. This can be volunteering at a soup kitchen, reaching out to newcomers at a meeting, visiting an elderly loved one or family member, and engaging in other activities that exercise empathy. Paying it forward this holiday season can guide you further away from feelings of resentment, fear, self-pity, or cravings.

• Plan a Holiday Getaway – Taking a trip and getting away can help big time when maintaining sobriety during the holidays. This allows you to stay away from stressors or triggers that you may not be able to plan for, and gives you time to relax either alone or with others who support your situation. You can even make the holiday trip an exciting tradition to look forward to in years ahead! And remember, this doesn’t need to be a tropical vacation; any excursion that keeps you occupied and motivated with a good line of support will work perfectly fine.

• Double Down on Support Lines – The holidays are a time when friends and family can be together and enjoy quality time in each others’ presence. Sometimes, this can be the best line of support, and give you a chance to unwind with people you care about and who care about you. Never shy away from taking advantage of this option, and keep the good times rolling with those you love.

• Avoid Triggers – When considering these tips for staying sober during the holidays, always remember that some triggers are optional and avoidable. If you plan on visiting family or friends but have a feeling someone or something might be there to trigger a relapse, you can always say no. Be mindful about how others can impact your holiday, and stand your ground if you do not wish to be around others who can jeopardize your recovery.

South Beach Detox

As a leading dual diagnosis treatment center in Florida, South Beach Detox offers multiple levels of medical and clinical care to provide comprehensive addiction and mental health treatment programs. If you are struggling with addiction as the holiday season approaches, don’t hesitate to contact us today for the help you need.