Bring your own or select a festive nonalcoholic option and have an exit or even escape strategy if you start to feel anxious. Make sure you have your own transportation so that you can leave quickly if you feel uncomfortable. Call your sponsor before the party and walk through the plan. And, bring the address of the nearest AA meeting, just in case.
Focus on your sobriety goals
Keep in touch with people in recovery or sober sponsor, and join a local support group. If you’ll be traveling out of town for the holidays, make plans to expand your support network in advance. You can look for sober meetings in the area you’ll be visiting, or you can learn how to attend your normal sober meetings by phone. As mentioned before, having a solid relapse prevention plan is crucial for staying sober during the holidays.
Patient Care Network
Many people compare their lives and families to others and to the depictions that they see in the media of the “perfect family”. Therefore, it is important to counter these false images of perfection and remember that every family has issues and to have some acceptance of family flaws. It is important to note that there is a higher chance of relapse during the holidays and sober alcoholics and their sober holidays loved ones should be mindful of this. You have the option of totally redefining your holiday celebrations to suit your new sober lifestyle. Moreover, if this means skipping out on high-stress family gatherings or holiday events that cause you emotional trauma, you have the right to do so. Start spending your holidays in ways that are personally fulfilling and largely trigger- and temptation-free.
- Local and state resources for substance abuse and addiction can vary according to where you live.
- For people with substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders, such as addiction and depression, drinking or drug use may have been a way to self-medicate.
- Lastly, it’s important to be firm but compassionate about your boundaries.
- Beyond the political fray, the argument is nuanced – so the BBC spoke to pensioners to hear the full range of views.
- As we learn during addiction rehab and in the meeting rooms, recovery is a one-day-at-a-time endeavor, no matter the season.
- Keeping in touch with your support system throughout the holidays doesn’t just make for a merrier season.
Why is it Hard to Stay Sober During the Holidays?
Homeless shelters, recovery programs, community toy drives – volunteer to help others this season and stay out of your head. Participate in charitable giving or adopt someone who could use some holiday hope and cheer. Use the opportunity to engage deeper into your AA or recovery support group.
Many tourists avoid drinking alcohol in Peru because they want to be well-rested for early mornings when most Machu Picchu and Andes tours depart. But even if you’re not a morning person, non-alcoholic drinks are delicious and easy to come by – from indigenous herbal teas and chichas made of corn to other fruit flavors. The holidays can often disrupt our daily routines, but it’s important to try to stick to your regular routine as much as possible.
In 2010, 9% of this group lived in a household that had a total wealth – including assets like their home and pensions – above £1 million. “I thought about giving it to my brother the last time I was given the payment, except he started getting it himself. Reach her at or follow her on X, Facebook, or Instagram @blinfisher. Sign up for our free The Daily Money newsletter, which will include consumer news on Fridays, here. Consumers will continue to take advantage of online deals to maximize their spending, Michael Jeschke, principal of Deloitte Consulting LLP, said in a press release. Additionally, Deloitte is forecasting that e-commerce sales will grow between 7.0% to 9.0% year-over-year, totaling between $289 billion to $294 billion this season.
Mental Health Services
Each holiday season, millions of Americans successfully maintain their sobriety by having a plan in place to avoid and manage triggers. For many of us, the holidays are a season of peace and joy, where we decorate our memories with calm and happy moments. Sober vacations are a great way to reset and recharge without the distractions of alcohol and other substances. But to make the most of a sober vacation, choosing a destination that caters to sober lifestyles is essential. Look for destinations with plenty of restaurants and hotel bars that offer non-alcoholic drinks and activities. There are a lot of reasons why you should consider a destination known for its healthy and active lifestyle for sober vacations.
Support For Staying Sober During The Holidays
- Therefore, if drinking alcohol was the way in which an alcoholic coped emotionally with holidays in past years- it can be a difficult transition when they get sober.
- Plus, you can enjoy its famous Broadwalk, rent some watersport equipment, and enjoy a dip in the ocean.
- No matter how hectic things get, be sure to carve out time for self-care between social engagements.
- This isn’t the time to let your self-care routines fall by the wayside.
There’s no better destination for all sober music lovers than Nashville, the Music City of the US. Live music venues, festivals, and the Country Music Hall of Fame will attract all the music fans. This vacation https://ecosoberhouse.com/ spot allows visitors from Western societies to learn how to live without some of their usual comforts. Let Mississippi Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center help you start your journey towards recovery.
How To Set Boundaries With Your Loved Ones
The urge is like a wave that peaks in intensity but will pass. Afterward, you will feel one step freer from the destructive patterns that have dragged you down in the past. Take our short alcohol quiz to learn where you fall on the drinking spectrum and if you might benefit from quitting or cutting back on alcohol. As we know all too well ’tis the season to overindulge with heavy meals and lots of sweets. Of course, it’s okay to partake a bit (we are only human), but try to set a limit and make every effort to eat nutritious meals and snacks each day. And keep up with your exercise routine whether that means taking a daily walk or going to the gym.
Why is it here when it’s famous for its breweries and such? Well, it’s because it offers numerous other options for sober travelers, too. It’s renowned for its cuisine – if you want to find some delectable specialties, don’t miss out on the artisanal market, Denver Central Market, or The Source. If you or someone you love is battling addiction this holiday season, we can help. At Mississippi Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center, we offer inpatient treatment, intensive outpatient treatment, and partial hospitalization programs year-round.