If you’re new to addiction recovery and have been working hard to maintain it, you may wonder what you should do about the holidays. Should you skip them altogether? Maybe you’re worried about having to deal with people who may judge you, having access to substances, and being exposed to other triggers that could compromise your sobriety.  

Avoiding the holidays is one option. If you do not want to do something because you know it will put your future at risk, stand firm in your decision. Conversely, you can celebrate the holidays in a new way that supports your new view on life and your overall health.

Seek Out–or Host–a Sober Holiday

One of the first steps to having a sober holiday is to seek out people who are committed to a sober lifestyle or who are willing to not use substances before or during the event. Once you have a group in place, a sober holiday could mean all of the same foods and football games, the same gift-giving fun, and more.

Are there people in your life willing to create a substance-free holiday with you? That could prove to be the fresh start you need for the holidays.

Recognize Your Triggers

As you work towards recovery, you will become more aware of your addiction triggers. These can include people, places, experience, and emotional states that put you at risk for relapse. Before you make any decision about how to celebrate the holidays, be sure you know what your triggers are and how to avoid them.

• Do not overlook HALT: Hungry, angry, lonely, and tired are very real triggers. If you isolate yourself during the holidays, that in itself could put you on the path to relapse.
• Know the people, places, and experiences that put you at risk: Avoiding specific people whom you used to use substances with or places where you used them will be critical.
• Set boundaries. Once you know your triggers, you can set boundaries and celebrate the holidays around them. For example, if there is someone at an event who could be problematic to you, say no to going, take a sober friend with you, or leave early.

If you cannot handle a situation or are unsure what you should do and need help, reach out to your mentor or set up a session with your treatment team. You deserve to enjoy the holidays without the risk of addiction relapse.

Let Go of Toxic Traditions and Celebrate Your Own Way

Traditions that have been part of your family holiday celebrations for years are hard to let go of, even when you know they will make it harder to stay sober. Choosing not to engage in those traditions this year may make you feel sad and angry, and that’s normal. But one of the best ways to overcome those feelings is to focus on creating new traditions. You made the decision to start a healthy future. Determine what you can do differently this holiday season that will be meaningful to you and allow you to celebrate love, family, and your beliefs. Consider these tips:

• Host the holiday at your home and ask that your guests do not bring substances.
• Consider a new tradition centered around giving back: you could volunteer at a homeless shelter or “adopt” a family that needs some support. The feeling of helping others far outweighs the regret over letting go of an unhealthy tradition. 
• Instead of celebrating at home with family, encourage everyone to do something completely new together that will take you out of your typical holiday environment. YOu might rent a cabin for a few days, go on a camping trip, or spend the day hiking or sight-seeing. 

The holidays can be difficult, especially during your first year in recovery. Do not overlook the importance of getting guidance and help during this period. Continue to meet with your therapist and attend recovery support meetings. Embrace the decision you made to live a healthy lifestyle, and find new opportunities to make this holiday the best one yet.

Let Victory Addiction Recovery Center Offer Support

Whether you are ready to enter into a detox program or connect with alumni support, Victory Addiction Recovery Center is right there to help you. Contact us today to learn more about how you can build a stronger mindset during the holidays.