HOLIDAYS AND RECOVERY
The holiday season is meant to be a joyous occasion that brings family and friends together. For those of us in recovery the holidays can also be a bit challenging. Especially in early recovery. Here are a few tips on how to protect your sobriety and enjoy the holidays: 1. Bring a sober friend with you to holiday gatherings for support if possible. 2. Carry a non-alcoholic drink with you during a holiday party. No one has to know that it’s not alcohol. 3. Always keep an eye on your drink so as not to pick up the wrong one. 4. Create an exit strategy. You can arrive a little late and leave a little early if you feel that you’re sobriety is in jeopardy. Say something like “My babysitter needs to get home early” or “I have an appointment at the crack of dawn.” 5. Avoid people and places that may trigger you whenever possible. 6. Get to AA or NA meetings if you practice the 12 Steps or to whatever support group you belong to.
In my own personal experience, I found some of these methods to be very helpful. Especially in my early recovery! Now 8 years later, I am free to partake in holiday gatherings without any desire for a mood or mind-altering substance. I hope that you find these tips to be useful! Happy Holidays!
