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Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is one of the most well-known organizations that provides support for individuals looking to reduce their alcohol use or quit altogether. It also has online forums where members can connect online or in person with others who share similar goals and experiences regarding sobriety. Whether you’re struggling with your sobriety or just want to make sure that you stay on track this holiday season, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Reach out to a friend, call a hotline, or talk with your doctor. Even if you’re not ready to go cold turkey on alcohol consumption—which is totally fine! —you can still get some guidance from people who know the ins and outs of staying sober while celebrating the holidays in a healthy way.
For one, drugs generally disrupt the circadian rhythm and pose various challenges to sleep length and quality. Not only is sleep more likely to be short-lived and frequently disrupted, but a smaller amount of that time consists of restorative, restful REM sleep. Getting better means that you’ll be able to get a good night’s sleep and enjoy the day. For example, New Year’s Eve is often filled with various kinds of alcohol to celebrate the coming of the new year. You have every right to say no to any celebration you don’t feel comfortable going to, and you don’t have to give anyone an explanation for turning the invitation down. Be smart about what parties you go to and always have a plan in place for the ones you do decide to attend.
Create manageable holiday goals
It may surprise you how fun the holidays can be once you remove some of the stressors. We can support you or your loved one at every step of recovery. Promoting food as a focal point can change the tone of the gathering as well as reduce the amount of alcohol. This encourages your group to celebrate around food as opposed to drinking. They may misunderstand you or forget that you don’t intend to drink alcohol.
However, it is important to know and respect your limits. Your family and friends will prefer that you protect your sobriety rather than put yourself in a situation that might increase the chances of relapsing. To avoid holiday temptations, start each waking https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/8-tips-on-ow-to-spend-holidays-sober/ day with a plan to keep sober. This means thinking ahead about all the possible triggers and situations that may come your way during the holiday season. If you are in a place where your drug cravings start to unleash, have a plan to settle them.
Support Your Recovery
Then, you and your loved ones can work together as a team to recover together and avoid holiday relapse. Be mindful to keep your 12 step meeting schedule, church if you attend, and self-care routine including meditations or workouts. Keeping your daily routine on track will help you stay focused on recovery. Remember, each piece of additional treatment and support only strengthens your stand against relapse. Additionally, if you have a sponsor or counselor, discuss strategies for declining drinks at the holiday events. Planning out a response ahead of time can reduce your anxiety when unaware people offer you a drink.
This will keep you focused on other things so you aren’t anxious about staying sober and you are less likely to relapse. There are lots of things you can do to maintain your sobriety during the holidays. Your support network will be able to offer their experiences and advice on navigating sober holidays. However, there are some tried-and-true techniques that can help you manage many different situations, no matter where you are in your recovery. Each holiday season, millions of Americans successfully maintain their sobriety by having a plan in place to avoid and manage triggers. There are also other types of self-help groups for people who do not relate to AA or NA.