The festive season is a time of joy, happiness and celebration. It is a period to unwind, relax, organize get-togethers and create beautiful, long-lasting memories. For people dealing with recovery from substance use, it can be a major source of anxiety, which can trigger the urge to relapse. In this article, you will learn practical tips to navigate the challenges that may occur during the festive season.
Plan Before the Festive Season
As a person going through substance use recovery, it is crucial to plan how you intend to spend the festive season.
Having a well-thought-out plan will help you map out how to handle certain events that may trigger you. Planning also allows you to think deeply about habits and routines that have helped sustain your sobriety. Knowing these habits ensures you can maintain them in different environments or situations during the festive season.
Another element in your plan can include a reward system that will also help keep you motivated. This system of rewards enables you to stay on track and reminds you that maintaining your sobriety in challenging moments is a victory worth celebrating.
Bring A Trusted Friend or Partner Along
When going to parties, events or other social gatherings during the holidays, bring along a trusted friend. You should choose someone who understands your battles and where you are in your sobriety journey. A friend that knows your goals, stressors and triggers can help to hold you accountable during moments of weakness.
There can be lots of social pressure to drink alcohol at events and gatherings like these. Having a good friend in your corner to back you up will help you ward off that pressure. This ensures that you can stick to your goals while also having a good time. Moreover, a trusted friend can also be a successful exit strategy when things get too intense or triggering.
Have A Virtual Support System
While you might not have access to your local therapists or support groups during the festive season, technology has advanced a lot to provide solutions. Online meetings, virtual therapy sessions and support apps can keep you connected with your recovery community, no matter where you are.
Platforms such as Zoom, Google Meets, or Skype allow you to attend group meetings and speak with your sponsor or therapists, ensuring you do not miss out on the support you need during difficult times.
Many 12-step groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA), also offer virtual meetings. You can access it from any device, allowing you to stay connected with your recovery community even during the busiest times of the year.
Engage In Sober Activities and Events
Engaging in sober activities can be a good way to keep potential stressors and triggers at bay. Unlike other parties, where you have to be on guard to ensure that you do not slip up, sober events allow you to unwind and have a good time. Whether it’s board games, card games, movie nights, fireworks or holiday decorations, you’ll be in a better frame of mind to connect with others and enjoy the experiences.
Intentionally choosing sober activities helps you avoid any triggers and build new habits while creating lasting memories with loved ones.
Set Clear Boundaries with Family and Friends
While you may try to do everything right, some situations will test you. Adopting a proactive stance by setting clear boundaries with friends and family can prevent such situations. Whether it’s about avoiding specific topics, saying no to certain parties, or exiting parties early, expressing these boundaries firmly and clearly will equip you with the confidence to maintain sobriety during the festive season.
Need Support During the Festive Seasons?
If you encounter difficulties navigating the festive season while recovering from substance abuse, C. W. Williams Community Health Center can be of great help. We have a dedicated team of mental health professionals who provide comprehensive treatment plans to guide you as you recover.
Book an appointment today to receive personalized support that will empower you to stay on track with your recovery and enjoy a peaceful, sober holiday season.
