For many, the holiday season is a triggering and isolating time. Dealing with addiction during the holidays can seem almost impossible when social events are filled with alcohol and parties are frequent. If you have struggled with alcohol addiction, there are some ways you can protect your sobriety during the last few months of the year.
Working on your sobriety during family gatherings can be hard, but below are 7 tips to make these holidays less triggering.
1- Have A Trusted Family Member Hold You Accountable
Having an accountability partner or a group to help you stay sober can help make the holidays easier to navigate. Communicate your boundaries to this person and how you want to handle tempting situations. If multiple friends or family members are committed to helping you stay sober during the holidays, this can be even more powerful. Navigating addiction during the holidays is easier when you have a large support group.
Having a safety net when alcohol is around will make you feel more in control and will limit overwhelming situations. These people may also assist you in explaining your commitment to sobriety to additional friends or family members who may not yet understand.
2- Acknowledge Triggers
Self-awareness is one of the most important aspects of sobriety. Managing triggers during the holidays will require mindful awareness and dedication from you. Consider in advance situations or people which may trigger a desire to drink.
The holidays can be lonely or stressful for many people. These are often reasons individuals turn to alcohol for solace. If these are triggers for you and you know that your holiday may give rise to these emotions, you will want to reframe what your holiday season looks like. While you may have spent holidays with certain friends or family in the past, if any of these people threaten your sobriety, let’s try mixing up who you spend your time with this year.
3- Plan Sober Holiday Activities
Many people plan holiday activities around alcohol, so planning multiple sober activities can help you feel included while resisting temptation. Plan outings outside the home where alcohol is not served or is not common. Reaching out to family members in advance who may consider not serving alcohol during family meals or other gatherings could also prove beneficial.
Some options to consider when planning sober activities include:
- Ice skating
- Cooking classes
- Holiday craft markets
- Driving around seeing holiday light displays
- Build snowmen
- Volunteer at a soup kitchen
- Watch Christmas movies
- Join a gift drive
- Host a tree decorating party
- Build gingerbread houses
- Visit a nursing home or your elderly grandparents
- Take a ski trip or meditation retreat
4- Have A Plan If Temptation Arises
In a society where alcohol is ubiquitous, particularly around the holidays, temptation is bound to happen. Dealing with addiction during the holidays means that you are more likely to be pressured. When the temptation arises, have an escape plan in place. This can be a code word with a friend, an excuse that you need to leave early, or any other signal that will help you leave a triggering situation.
5- Don’t Neglect Support Group Meetings
Whether you are in an IOP, attending AA meetings, or visiting with another support group, the holidays are an essential time to attend these meetings. Finding support from others in a similar situation will give you ideas on how to navigate the complexities of triggering situations during the holidays.
Humans are social creatures, meeting with a group will help you feel less isolated when those closest to you test their boundaries. Meetings facilitated by an expert can provide you with thoughts for an escape plan and help you become self-aware of your triggers as well. Your sober journey is more well-rounded when you attend support groups.
6- Share Your Sobriety Story With Friends And Family
While many will not understand your reason for sobriety, it can be a great opportunity for you to share your story. Talking about your recovery during the holidays may seem uncomfortable, but you will be able to help others around you support your decision or cause them to think about their own alcohol use.
Sharing your journey to recovery will help those around you respect your boundaries and help you have a better holiday season.
7- Know When You Need Professional Help
Seeking professional help is the best way to help you overcome alcohol addiction and build up your resolve against the substance. Dealing with addiction during the holidays can be extremely stressful, so having the help of a professional can help prevent setbacks. If the holidays become triggering or depressing for you, don’t hesitate to reach out to a therapist or helpline. This is why support groups are also important because these groups can help provide professional insight before the possibility of slipping back into old habits.
