Options include crafting mocktails, exploring outdoor adventures, and participating in social events sober holidays like trivia nights or photo walks. Pursuing these activities can bring joy and fulfillment during sober celebrations. Spending quality time with loved ones through substance-free activities is encouraged to foster social connections without the influence of alcohol or drugs. At Mindful Recovery Coaching, we offer sober holidays as a unique approach to addiction recovery. Our wellness retreats are designed to help you stay sober during the holidays, providing a supportive environment for those in recovery.
On the Fourth Day of the Sober Holidays: Have an Exit Plan
Have a bonfire (make sure it’s contained properly and check current fire regulations for your area first). Spend time with your loved ones — or just have a quiet evening alone. Or, host brunch at your home with elaborate fixings. You can make a waffle bar, offer fresh-squeezed orange juice, and finally break out that good coffee you’ve been holding on to (better to share with friends, no?). Or, an innocuous “let’s grab a drink” text with a friend I haven’t seen in years.
- Staying sober during the holidays is entirely possible with the right preparation, mindset, and support.
- The season’s busyness can quickly push self-care aside, but staying committed to your recovery routines is crucial.
- The holiday season can amplify feelings and memories that are tough to handle, creating emotional pressure to fall back on old habits.
- Embrace the journey, cherish your victories, and make this holiday season one filled with peace, joy, and fulfillment.
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- We offer substance abuse treatment, mental health services, aftercare options, and more, and we accept most insurance plans.
- It’s common for people who are in addiction recovery to feel heightened anxiety regarding their sobriety around the holidays.
- Prepare a variety of mocktails and non-alcoholic beverages.
- If Uncle Brian is going to mix you a stiff drink, stay away from him.
Sober holidays can be just as enjoyable as those involving alcohol. The key is to shift your perspective and explore new ways to have fun. Start by making a list of activities you’ve always wanted to try but never got around to. This could include water sports, hiking, photography, or learning a local craft. By embracing these sober-friendly activities, you’ll https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/how-to-make-your-home-more-environmentally-friendly/ create a rich, memorable holiday experience that supports your sobriety goals while immersing yourself in the local culture and lifestyle. Focus on the reasons you chose sobriety and the positive changes it has brought to your life.
Festive Non-Alcoholic Drink Recipes
Maintaining our connections to others is part of staying present and accountable for our recovery. The holidays are a time of socializing, work parties, excessive amounts of food, celebration and inevitably drinking. Being sober can often lead these individuals to feel left out or it may be a painful reminder them of the good ole’ days. Navigating sober holidays can be particularly overwhelming for individuals new to recovery. The combination of alcohol and festive gatherings is culturally accepted and often expected, making it difficult for them to participate without feeling the urge to drink 1. Not everyone has a family or friends to be with during the holidays, a time of year when particular focus is put on socializing and spending time with loved ones.
This may take some careful vetting to find one that works best for you. Then start a book club, whether in-person or virtually and discuss your favorites with a group of your peers. If you’re not feeling date night, bake yourself a loaf of bread. There’s nothing more satisfying than hand-kneading a gooey dough, smelling the yeast as it rises, and eating a slice of bread you made from scratch. Or, cut down your food waste and toss your veggie scraps and ends into the freezer, then make a stock!
But it can also be a very stressful time, particularly for people in recovery from drug or alcohol addiction. For many of us, the holidays are a season of peace and joy, where we decorate our memories with calm and happy moments. But the reality often looks quite different, and the holiday stressors quickly pile up for the person in recovery from alcohol or drug addiction, making it a difficult time of year to stay sober.
The Good Life
- For most people, the holidays are a time of joy and celebration.
- Gratitude is the cornerstone of serenity which is often scarce this time of year.
- Look for specialty shops that might carry unique non-alcoholic options.
Planning is crucial when it comes to staying sober during the holidays. Before attending any event, think through the scenarios you might encounter and develop strategies to handle them. This could include deciding in advance what drinks you’ll have, identifying a support buddy who can help you if things become tough, or even planning an early exit strategy. The holidays can be an incredibly stressful time for anyone, especially those struggling with a substance use disorder what is alcoholism or mental health condition. While the New Year is a popular time to make a change for the better, waiting to get the help you need is never the best option. To get started on your recovery journey, contact a treatment provider to learn more about your options.