If Uncle Brian is going to mix you a stiff drink, stay away from him. If the office New Year’s party is really all about drinking or other drug use, make a brief appearance or don’t attend. It’s unrealistic in all of these scenarios to say, “I can soldier through it.” That’s what Step One of the Twelve Steps teaches us, right? So why put yourself in the position of having to “power through” an obstacle course of relapse triggers? Staying sober and safeguarding your recovery must always come first.
Understand how long physical heroin withdrawal lasts and the crucial role of medical support in recovery. Explore if beer can cause gout, understand its impact, and learn how to manage and prevent flare-ups. Learn how to stop spending addiction, rebuild finances, and regain control with clear, actionable strategies. Explore the startling social media addiction statistics & facts that reveal the global impact of our online habits. Learn how to reframe automatic negative thoughts into positive affirmations you send to yourself.
Recovery from addiction is difficult, even more so during this time of year. You need to investigate and challenge the internal monologue about what you are owed and what you are lacking—some of which might be a carryover from addiction. Then you can break down those defensive walls and forgive other people, and you can approach the holiday season with a stronger sense of gratitude. Maintaining a consistent recovery routine is essential, but the busy holiday season can make this difficult. Travel plans, social obligations, and packed schedules can interfere with your ability to attend therapy sessions, recovery meetings, or engage in self-care practices. This disruption to your usual structure can leave you feeling ungrounded and more vulnerable to triggers.
Alcohol-impaired driving remains a leading cause of fatal traffic crashes in the United States, especially during the sober holidays holiday season. In 2022, 13,524 people were killed in alcohol-impaired driving crashes, making up 32 percent of all traffic fatalities. On average, one person died every 39 minutes in an alcohol-impaired driving crash in 2022.
Sober Holidays Tip #11 Be sure there is plenty of Oxford House light in your life. Keep the lights bright at home, try to get out when the sun is shining, light a cheery fire in the fireplace. Winter solstice darkness and drabness can be psychologically (and physiologically) depressing.
Let’s not forget the usual holiday stress from shopping, decorating, baking, expenses, family dynamics, etc. It can be tempting to have “just one drink” to take the edge off. In early sobriety, it may be that we allow ourselves a half-hour at the beginning of the event to simply make an appearance, say our hello’s, =https://ecosoberhouse.com/ and slip out quietly. It’s important to know that the holidays don’t have to feel like a celebration. You can give yourself permission to simply be where you are emotionally. Give yourself a break by letting go of the need to meet the expectations of others.
We tailor our programs to each person so we can create an environment conducive to healing. Skipping doses or running out of medication can lead to withdrawal symptoms, destabilized moods, or increased cravings, all of which elevate the risk of relapse. This pressure can feel isolating and create moments of doubt, especially when you’re navigating your recovery in social settings. Holiday events may center around drinking or other substance use, making it difficult to avoid temptation. Family members, friends, and colleagues may unknowingly encourage you to drink or use substances, sometimes even questioning your decision to abstain.