Sober Holiday Season | Addiction Recovery

The holidays are a fantastic time of the year, where people can gather with friends and family members. However, at the same time, this season comes with its fair share of stress and anxiety, leading to challenges for women in recovery. Between financial strain, unrealistic expectations, and reunions with old friends and family who you may not have seen in some time, you may fear the threat of relapse. Fortunately, whether you’re new to recovery or have been sober for years, you don’t have to risk your long-term recovery this holiday season. It is possible to enjoy a sober holiday season this December. To learn more, please reach out to our women’s addiction treatment center today at 877.978.1667.

Manage Your Stress Levels

Even when there isn’t a worldwide pandemic raging, the holidays can present women with high amounts of stress. Sadly, many people do not prepare for these high-stress levels, which makes it challenging to check everything off their lists. Fortunately, there are ways to plan for the holidays and manage your stress levels, including:

Set a budget for gifts, travel, and expenses and stick to it
Limit the events you’ll attend during the holidays
Create a list of who’ll you will write to, meet, call, or reach out to
Set up phone calls, meeting times, and other forms of communication with your support systems and sponsor
Make sure that you have time to rest
Create a relapse prevention plan

Create Traditions That Don’t Involve Drugs or Alcohol

As a child, the holidays have magical feelings that surround them. You may have spent time with friends and family and exchanged gifts under a tree that you decorated together. However, as an adult, many holiday traditions may have shifted to revolve around alcohol or drug use.
This year, why not take a step back into your past and enjoy the things that you enjoyed as a child. Perhaps you can enjoy a roaring fire, create handmade decorations, or find an ice skating rink near you.

Serve The People Around You

This past year has left many people struggling. The holiday season, especially this year, is a great time to grow and connect with others by giving back to your community. There are a range of ways that you can serve the people around you this year, even if you’re struggling with your sobriety. You can volunteer in your community by:

Walking dogs at a local pet shelter
Volunteer at a soup kitchen or homeless shelter
Reach out to the new people in your support group
Give your time at local events
Serve with a local church, school, or senior center

There are so many ways that you have been blessed in the past year. Look around to see how you can be a blessing to the people around you.

Avoid Situations That May Lead to Drugs and Alcohol Use

A sad fact of reality is that not everyone will be as supportive of your recovery as your friends and family members. Sometimes people may offer you a drink or invite you to parties that are sure to involve substance abuse. It’s critical to avoid these risky situations if you want to remain sober this holiday season.

It is possible to limit your contact with these triggering situations without being rude or a shut-in. Ask your spouse, a sober friend, or a family member to partner with you during the event. This person can provide you with support and possible exit strategies if the event turns stressful or risky.

Reach Out to Crossroads Maine

If you have questions about how to remain sober during the holidays, Crossroads Maine can help. We offer a range of therapy programs that will provide the tools women need to stay sober this holiday season, including:

Contact Crossroads Maine today at 877.978.1667 for more information about remaining sober.