Staying Sober During the Holidays

 “Oh, There’s no place like home for the holidays…” A time when people surround themselves with friends and family for celebrations. But what if your family and friends are triggers? Or, what if going to a holiday party guarantees access to alcohol and drugs? Take it one day at a time and try these tips from our Lifeologie Counseling experts in helping people navigate alcohol and addiction issues. 

Plan Ahead

Creating an escape plan, thinking about your story surrounding the holidays, staying helpful, being mindful of what you are consuming, recognizing triggers, practicing self-care, and considering rehab are some of the suggestions recommended by the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, as well as by many counselors who specialize in alcohol and substance abuse treatment. However, some of these suggestions might seem easier said than done.

So let's take a minute to focus on creating an escape plan. The most important step in escape plan creation is knowing when it is time to make your escape. This is where your triggers come in. Triggers are actions or situations that cause adverse emotional reactions. You may notice that your triggers cause reactions in your body. For instance, you may experience tightness in your stomach, balling your fists, or a dry mouth. Before your sobriety, maybe you coped with these feelings by turning towards drugs, alcohol, or other behaviors. Now when you begin to experience these feelings you must take a minute to stop and think. Will this feeling fade away? Or, is it time to leave the situation? 

Remember if it is time to leave, it is okay to do so. Your wellness is the priority in this situation and you have worked hard in your recovery journey. Having your plan ready prior to an uncomfortable moment will make it easier to react in a positive way. Think about the situation and determine the best way to exit. At family/friend events it may be more difficult to quietly slip out. If this is the case, is there someone you trust there that can handle the questions about your “disappearance”? Or, a message you can have prepared to let someone know you are safe but had to go? 

If you have a sponsor it might also be a good time to reach out to them. This can provide you with extra support at that moment. Furthermore, it is important that you are prioritizing safety in each plan.

Give yourself what you need 

Once you are away from the gathering, think about what you need to do for yourself. What coping skills might be helpful? Is there a meeting that you can attend nearby? Give yourself what you need in that moment (candy? a new pair of fuzzy socks? a peppermint mocha with whipped cream?) and don't forget to celebrate your growth be proud of the strength you demonstrated at that moment.

When thinking about how you can implement these tips into your holiday planning you may find that you need some guidance. Here at Lifeologie Counseling, therapists who specialize in substance abuse and addiction issues can assist you with the sticky situations associated with staying sober during the holidays (and throughout the year). Find a counselor who specializes in addiction and alcohol abuse near you at https://wefixbrains.com/specialties/mental-health/addiction.