The end of the year brings many people together to celebrate a number of holidays. Halloween parties in October, Thanksgiving in November, and a number of holidays in December such as Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa. This time of joyous festivities can also be an overwhelming time for some. This is especially true for those battling a substance use disorder (SUD) or an alcohol use disorder (AUD). Also known as drug addiction and/or alcoholism. Additionally, this time of year can be stressful for individuals who are in recovery from addiction disorders. Maintaining sobriety through the holidays may be challenging, but it is possible with some effort, focus, and support. Let’s discuss 7 ways to stay sober during the holidays.

Holiday Pressures and Substance Misuse

The holidays can bring out both the best and the worst out of many of us. This applies to everyone, those who struggle with addiction or those who simply struggle dealing with stress and disfunction. During these stressful situations, it is important not to criticize yourself for making mistakes and falling short of perfection. If you’re currently sober and intend on remaining that way throughout this holiday season, you may want to make yourself aware of two types of pressure: direct social pressure and indirect social pressure.

Direct social pressure is a scenario that involves an individual offering you an opportunity to drink or simply when an individual directly offers you a drink.

Indirect social pressure is a scenario that involves you being around others consuming alcohol, causing feelings of a temptation to drink (although no one has offered you a drink).

To minimize the risk or to avoid relapse altogether, preparation is the key to success.

Sobriety Tips from San Diego Sober Living

One of the strengths of the staff at San Diego Sober Living is that they are empathetic to the needs of an individual struggling with drug and/or alcohol addiction. All of our staff members are successfully in long-term recovery themselves, so they speak to patients from experience, empathy, and knowledge as those who have been through the madness before.

The suggestions we complied from our staff for how to stay sober during the holidays include:.

7 holiday sobriety tips:

1. Set boundaries with friends and family. Know what you’re willing to be comfortable with and share this with others in order for loved ones to support your sobriety.
2. Practice your plan for refusing drugs and/or alcohol. A prepared mind can respond to situations in healthy and productive ways.
3. Have scripted responses for anticipated scenarios.
4. Plan ahead. Don’t get caught off guard with innocent family members or friends offering you a drink, which may be a temptation for you. Plan your response.
5. Engage with your recovery community.
6. Create a list of why maintaining your sobriety is important to you.
7. Avoid isolation. Be consistent with accountability to your sponsor and others who you’ve made this commitment with. Attend meetings and pull on the support of others in recovery.

The holidays, and thus family, can feel, at times, both full of joy and full of anxiety and stress. This is true for so many. While these times are mostly about quality time with friends and family, other variables like money, what gifts to give, guest lists, and for some, alcohol and drugs, drown out that quality to the point where good times are watered down to nothing. Sometimes we lose sight of what’s truly important in the first place, but we don’t have to. The holidays can be a great training ground for your sobriety. The key is to have a plan and work the plan. And, most importantly, take care of yourself. Your loved ones will understand.