Surviving the Holiday Season

The holidays can create mixed feelings for many people in recovery. While it’s certainly a great time to count your blessings and be grateful for how far you’ve come, it also brings feelings of stress, anxiety, and even dread. 

Awkward questions from family members about your recovery, run-ins with old friends or old haunts, added temptations from social events – relapse triggers abound this season.

The good news is that it’s possible to enjoy the holidays and stay strong in your recovery. Get started by following these tips. 

• Maintain healthy habits. Now isn’t the time to skimp on sleep, eat poorly, stop exercising, or neglect your meditation routine – you’ll need these tools more than ever to help your mind and body manage holiday stress. 
• Exercise the power of “no.” It’s okay to turn down an invitation, especially if you know it will jeopardize your recovery in any way. Use this time to relax and focus on you. 
• Plan for uncomfortable situations. Whether you become bombarded with questions about your recovery or feel pressured by old friends to party, it’s smart to have an exit plan when the situation begins to feel beyond your control. And make sure to have a sober, supportive friend lined up to turn to once you leave. 
• Lean on your support network. Now more than every your support network can help you to stay sober at social functions or merely manage the stress of the holidays. Attend extra meetings or set aside time to meet with your sponsor, pastor, or addiction counselor.  
• Create a new sober tradition. Skip the booze-laden parties and see a play or attend a museum with a loved on or friend. Or, use this season to give back and volunteer to give out toys or serve a holiday dinner for the homeless.

Ready to Begin Recovery? 
There’s no “right or wrong” season to start on the journey toward sobriety. If you feel it’s time for a new beginning, don’t let the holidays stand in your way. At Complete Harmony, we can tailor a treatment program to meet your needs at any time of year. To learn more, call 866-930-4673.