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For example, some individuals may not feel equipped to be in environments with substance use. In this case, an effective solution would be to avoid such environments during the holidays. If another trigger is family conflict, then if and when conflict arises, an individual can rely on mindfulness techniques to work through it. Have a plan to break the stress cycle by going for a walk, talking it out with a friend, or getting a hug from a family member or friend. Making a plan ahead of time can make it easier to reach for coping tools when your emotions start to run high.
- For a newly sober person the holiday season can be particularly difficult.
- Your friends may not replace your family, but in many ways, they may exceed your family in quality time together.
- And leaving prior to the peak of the party sidesteps a lot of pressure.
- We provide detox and residential addiction treatment to individuals from all across the United States.
Stay well-informed on your mental wellness
We don’t need to agree on everything, but it’s important that we’re on the same page as parents. Perhaps there’s something your spouse thinks is very important, that you do not. Perhaps your spouse has thought of some nuance that you haven’t. If a situation becomes inappropriate, are you willing to leave quickly? Remember you don’t have to have all the answers – just getting an idea of what you’ll do will allow you the freedom to make decisions on the fly.
Dec A Framework for Staying Sober Through the Holidays in Early Recovery
That’s when a few friends noticed something was up with me. And thankfully, they went the extra mile to reach out to me. Our clinical and medical experts, ranging from licensed therapists and counselors to psychiatric nurse practitioners, author our content, in partnership reframing holidays in early recovery with our editorial team. In addition, we only use authoritative, trusted, and current sources. Thriveworks offers flexible and convenient therapy services, available both online and in-person nationwide, with psychiatry services accessible in select states.
A Double-Edged Screen: The Complicated Relationship between Social Media, Addiction and Recovery
Leading up to my first sober holiday season since my struggle with addiction, I was living in South Florida, (away from my https://ecosoberhouse.com/boston-sober-house-dorchester/ family in New Jersey) and I was about 6 months sober. Originally, I assumed I would go home because hey, I was sober! But my mom didn’t feel comfortable enough to let me come home yet. I had been in and out of recovery the past 5 years and she so badly did not want to mess up whatever was working down in Florida.
Tips to Enjoy a Sober Holiday Season
On a broader level, the family of the person in recovery has directly and indirectly been affected by addiction and may share all of the desperation with none of the control. As individuals begin the process of recovery, they pass through multiple stages of recognizing needs and making changes in their thoughts, feelings, behaviors, patterns of self-care and healing. It is never a one-size-fits-all process, but more often than not, family members provide links for rebuilding their loves one’s lives. The family unit, which can be uniquely defined for each person, also passes through a process of addiction recovery.
A future free of addiction is in your hands
Being among the first to arrive allows me to connect with others before alcohol becomes the center of attention. And leaving prior to the peak of the party sidesteps a lot of pressure. In case an accidental sip of alcohol is taken – prepare mentally. The Institute for Research, Education and Training in Addictions (IRETA) is an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit located in Pittsburgh, PA. Our mission is to help people respond effectively to substance use and related problems. Getting through the holidays can be tough, but remember you are not alone.
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