Reframing Holidays in Early Recovery Holidays During Recovery

Addiction slowly robs you of your relationships, as you become emotionally obsessed with your drug of choice. With recovery comes a blossoming of human connection, interaction, meaning, and hope. In order to recover, we learn tools to keep ourselves centered, alcoholism treatment such as humility, compassion, listening skills, and mindfulness. We learn to ask for help, and not try to internalize and fix all of our problems on our own.

Maintain Your Treatment Schedule

Other external cues include sensory triggers like sights, smells, or sounds linked to previous substance use, which can prompt an intense desire to relapse. High-stress life circumstances, such as job loss, relationship conflicts, or significant life changes, can also elevate stress levels and trigger cravings. We provide state of the the art outpatient mental health and substance use disorder treatment to our clients in a dignified and respectful manner. This isn’t a failure, it’s an opportunity a chance to create meaning that reflects your current emotional needs, family structure, or healing process. It will also help to speak with your therapist or counselor about what triggers you have and what you should do when things become overwhelming. Additionally, you may want to rearrange your treatment schedule if you are planning to attend holiday gatherings.

Celebrate Your Progress with Small Rewards

• Whether you’re recovering from an eating disorder or supporting someone who is, in this article, we will explore different tips for how to best prepare for the upcoming holiday season.
• Over 11 percent of U.S. adults (29.2 million) report that they have ever had a problem with substances (SAMHSA, 2021).
• Proper nutrition and hydration are crucial in recovery because substances and addiction-related stress can deplete essential nutrients and cause dehydration, impairing physical and mental functions.
• By utilizing a healthy framework for staying sober, individuals can learn to enjoy the holidays while keeping their recovery as the highest priority in their life.
• There’s also an underlying societal expectation to be “merry” and joyful during the holidays.
• ” She’s not trying to sabotage you—she’s just been drinking champagne at Christmas since 1947 and doesn’t quite compute that it’s different for you.

Resilience is a vital element of recovery and involves developing skills to cope with setbacks and challenges effectively. One way to build resilience is by creating a healthy support system. Surrounding oneself with positive, supportive people can significantly contribute to ensuring sustainable recovery and reflecting on one’s progress in the recovery journey. Furthermore, it’s crucial to plan ahead for situations that may involve exposure to substances, such as holiday parties. This includes setting clear boundaries, preparing responses to declining offers of alcohol, and ensuring others are aware of their recovery journey. To maintain recovery during the holidays, individuals must also practice effective stress management techniques.

• I promise you are not the only one feeling down or unhappy around the holidays.
• Shutting down is the worst thing you can do in the face of a problem—whether you’re in addiction recovery or not.
• Also, adjusting your mindset by reframing fun or celebration can mitigate external pressure and reduce the temptation to use substances.
• Ask if they’d like to invite someone or invite others who do not drink.

Emergency Support

Reflect on what worked this holiday season and use that insight to prepare for future celebrations. Each year offers a chance to move closer to the community and stability you deserve. This guide will help you understand why loneliness intensifies during the holidays and provide practical strategies to navigate it while protecting your sobriety. If you will be serving alcohol, check to see if your invitee is comfortable with that.

• Recovery from alcohol and drug addiction is possible, for you or a loved one.
• Accessible 24/7, SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a critical resource that connects individuals and families to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community services.
• By entering treatment in November, individuals can develop coping strategies and build a foundation of sobriety before these challenges intensify.
• Let loved ones know what will help you feel comfortable, whether it’s avoiding certain topics, keeping gatherings substance-free or having someone to check in with you during events.
• According to recent data, approximately 21 million American adults are in recovery from alcohol and other drug addiction (SAMHSA, 2021).
• Entering recovery often means stepping away from past social environments and distancing yourself from people connected to substance use.

Whether you’re seeking help for yourself or a loved one, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Thankfully I was in a good place mentally, which allowed me to stay calm and avoid getting angry with her or screaming at her that I deserved to come home. At the time, I didn’t deserve anything except for another sober day. Our clinical and medical experts, ranging from licensed therapists and counselors to psychiatric nurse practitioners, author our content, in partnership with our editorial team.

Explore how cognitive behavioral therapy can effectively treat alcohol addiction and foster long-term recovery. Thinking about how you will handle the tempting situations you will encounter over the holidays will help you make a plan that will allow you to navigate them successfully. • We encourage you to be supportive and proactive about your family member’s recovery. You can reach to them in a way that lets them know you trust them with their own recovery but that you are there for them if needed.

Holidays in Addiction Recovery: Avoiding the January Rush

The holidays present a perfect opportunity to reach into your recovery toolbox and use any and all of these tools. In line with this, don’t forget to check in on your brothers and sisters in recovery during the holiday season. It’s easy enough to Sobriety pick up the phone, and you will find yourself feeling better as well.

Urge Coping

In the middle of a party where it seems like everyone is having fun and that alcohol and drugs are part of that fun, your reasons for staying sober can sometimes seem to just fade away. Maintaining well-being should be the top priority during holiday celebrations. Encouraging individuals in recovery to prioritize self-care activities like meditation, exercise, sufficient sleep, and healthy eating habits can significantly bolster their resilience against cravings. These activities not only contribute to physical health but also foster mental and emotional well-being, crucial for successful recovery. By implementing these strategies, individuals in recovery can successfully navigate the holiday season, maintaining their commitment to sobriety while still enjoying the festivities. Identifying potential triggers ahead of time allows you to prepare for moments that may challenge your recovery goals.

• Ask your friend or family member if they are comfortable taking part in the celebration this year.
• Getting through the holidays can be tough, but remember you are not alone.
• It can be a way to address mental health concerns like depression, loneliness and isolation while staying safe during the pandemic.
• Having a predefined exit plan, like knowing when and how to leave if feeling overwhelmed, ensures you retain control.
• By recognizing stress triggers, practicing effective stress management techniques, and seeking professional help when needed, individuals can successfully navigate recovery during the holidays.
• We offer TN board certification for dental assisting (including coronal polishing, monitoring nitrous oxide, and sealant application for current RDAs).

How to Surround Yourself With New Family in Recovery

Our blog, ‘The Holidays Can Be Beautiful… and Overwhelming,’ reminds us that it’s normal to feel many emotions at once this time of year. And presence genuine, grounded presence is often more potent than any grand gesture or perfect plan. The Recovery Village Columbus Drug, Alcohol and Mental Health Rehab specializes in compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to your needs.