Whether you’re newly in recovery or have been in recovery for some time, the holidays can be a source of stress alongside the joy and celebration. Holiday celebrations often involve alcohol, and navigating these events in sobriety can be challenging. However, with the right mindset and strategies, it is possible to enjoy the holidays while staying true to your recovery goals. The more fun you have to celebrate the holidays sober, the easier it will be to avoid old temptations and cravings throughout the rest of the year. A sober New Year’s Eve, for example, can set the tone for a strong and successful recovery journey in the upcoming year.
At Texas Recovery Center, we help our patients build the skills and resources they need to have a successful and fulfilling holiday season while maintaining their sobriety. Relapse prevention therapy, for example, can equip you with coping mechanisms and tools to handle potential triggers or difficult emotions during the holidays.
If you’re ready to take on the holidays in sobriety, Texas Recovery Center is here to help. Call 888.298.5468 today to learn more about our treatment programs and get started on the road to recovery.
Why Can the Holidays Be Challenging for People in Recovery?
While the holiday season is often portrayed as a time of joy and celebration, it can also bring about feelings of stress, loneliness, and triggers for those in recovery. The pressure to attend parties and gatherings where alcohol or drugs may be present can be overwhelming and lead to thoughts of relapse. Additionally, reuniting with family members who may not fully understand or support your journey in recovery can be emotionally challenging. It’s important to recognize and acknowledge these potential challenges in order to prepare yourself for the holiday season.
Celebrating a Sober New Year’s Eve
One mistake people can make when they are newly sober is avoiding parties and holiday celebrations. They assume being around people drinking and celebrating will be too much and decide to stay home. Boredom is one of the leading causes of relapse, and not going to parties and spending time with friends during the holidays is not healthy for those who need to learn how to celebrate sober.
An essential step in recovery is building new experiences without drugs and alcohol. Becoming sober and living a healthy lifestyle can be challenging yet very rewarding. You must learn to have fun and celebrate your hard work, especially during the holidays. Treat yourself to a spa day or relaxing holiday vacation as a reward for your hard work. The more you celebrate and are happy with your new sober life, the easier it will be to maintain it.
How to Have a Sober New Year’s Eve Celebration
Celebrating a sober New Year’s Eve is not difficult when you plan and prepare yourself for dealing with old triggers and cravings. Drinking and celebrating go hand in hand during the holidays, making this a difficult time for many people. Fortunately, you can safely get through the holidays by following these smart tips for having a sober New Year’s Eve celebration:
- Throw your own New Year’s Eve party – The best way to avoid temptations and cravings is to throw your own party. Invite friends from therapy so they have a safe space to celebrate, along with friends who respect your wishes to celebrate without drugs or alcohol.
- Bring a sober friend – If you are going to a New Year’s Eve party where there will be drinking or recreational drug use, have a sober friend join you. You can be each other’s support if cravings become too much and reduce the risk of relapsing. Always have a glass of water or soda with you to avoid people handing you drinks, and have the plan to leave if things get too intense.
- Attend therapy before the holidays – Working with a therapist in group and private sessions is an excellent way to talk about any fears about the holidays and relapsing. You can fine-tune coping skills and listen to how your peers plan on getting through the holiday season.
- Avoid people who may trigger you – If you have a friend or family member who drinks too much during parties, it is wise to avoid them at holiday gatherings. You can also bring a sober friend with you for added support.
- Have an exit plan – If the party becomes too overwhelming and cravings become too intense, always have an exit plan in place. This can include calling a trusted friend or sponsor, finding a quiet place to relax and meditate, or leaving the party altogether. Remember that it’s okay to put your recovery first and leave a situation that might jeopardize it.
There are several ways to have a sober New Year’s Eve that can show you how much fun celebrating sobriety can be. Not only will you remember more of the evening, but there is also less chance of relapsing and ruining all of your recovery goals.
Call Texas Recovery Center Today for Support During the Holidays
At Texas Recovery Center, we know how difficult the holidays can be to maintain your sobriety with so many parties where alcohol is freely flowing. That’s why we offer continuing therapy through outpatient and alumni programs to aid patients whenever they feel old cravings return. We provide our patients with several therapy options, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, family therapy, equine-assisted therapy, and adventure and wilderness therapy.
Call 888.298.5468 today or reach out online to learn more about how we can support you during the holiday season and beyond.
