Best Gifts for People New to Recovery

Only a few shopping days remain until Christmas, and you might still be looking for the best gifts for everyone on your “nice” list. It can be especially challenging to select presents for people who are recovering from substance abuse issues. If someone you care about is in the early stages of addiction recovery, how can you spread holiday cheer without triggers? Here are some gift ideas you can use.

1. Inspirational Books

Many people who successfully overcame addiction issues have published inspirational books about their journey. If your loved one is a bookworm, you can give them the gift of reading this holiday season with a memoir that reminds them they aren’t alone and inspires them to keep working toward their goals.

2. Exciting New Experiences

People in active addiction often lose sight of previously enjoyable activities because drinking or drug use becomes their top priority. Now that your loved one is clean and sober, show them how rewarding life can be by taking them ziplining or skydiving. If they’re not thrill-seekers, arrange an afternoon at an outdoor ice rink or a cultural attraction like an art museum.

3. Online Classes

E-learning has flourished during the COVID-19 pandemic, so buying online courses for your loved one could be an excellent gift idea. Since boredom can be a significant relapse trigger, they’ll need activities that fill their spare hours, and learning something new is an excellent way to stay busy and expand their horizons without leaving home.

4. A Sober Getaway

The idea of vacationing without drugs and alcohol may be somewhat foreign to people who are new to recovery. You can make the most of this opportunity to help reinforce their new lifestyle by taking them on a sober getaway. Pick a destination and activities that will minimize the chance of encountering triggers, like a yoga retreat or a camping weekend.

5. A Pet

If your loved one is far enough into their recovery that they’re ready to take on the responsibility of being a pet parent, a companion pet can be an excellent gift for someone new to sobriety. Spending time with a pet can reduce stress and lower blood pressure. Dogs can encourage their humans to exercise more, since they benefit from going on daily walks. Pets also provide unconditional love and comfort. Many dogs and cats are intuitive enough to pick up on their humans’ mood and know when something isn’t right. Since taking care of a pet is a major commitment, ensure your loved one is ready and willing to look after another living being before following through on this gift idea.

Spreading Holiday Cheer Without Triggers

Armed with these gift ideas, you can make the holiday merry and bright by slipping the perfect present under the tree or into your loved one’s stocking. And, if someone you care about is caught in the cycle of addiction, consider giving them the gift of sobriety by researching treatment options for them. At Complete Harmony, we offer a holistic approach to addiction rehabilitation and non-12-step programming tailored to each client’s unique needs. Contact us today to learn more.

The Power of Saying “No”

Do you find yourself trying to fill every gap in your recovery schedule with an activity, volunteer opportunity, or social engagement?

While keeping busy is important – especially in early recovery when you’re trying to fill the void left by your addiction – it’s also critical to give yourself time to heal and re-prioritize your life.

The key is to strike a healthy balance – and that will mean being intentional about your commitments and learning to say “no.” Don’t feel guilty about turning down invitations; part of your recovery journey is getting to know what brings you joy and relaxation and what causes stress and drains your reserves.

Learning to say “no” will also help when trying to determine healthy relationships. Now is the time to choose friends and loved ones carefully. This way, you surround yourself with people who support and encourage you – not those who urge you to give in and give up.

We know that saying “no” is never easy – but it is a powerful recovery tool. In the words of singer-actor-investor Jared Leto: “With the power of no comes focus and engagement." And being able to focus on your recovery is vital for lasting sobriety and long-term health!

Four Easy Ways to Say No 

Here are a few explanations/workarounds you may want to give a whirl:

• “I can’t this time.” 
• “Sorry — not today.” 
• “That doesn’t work for me right now — but I’ll get back to you if something changes.” 
• “Thanks for thinking of me, but I need to focus on my recovery now.

Saying Yes to Relapse Prevention
From identifying high-risk situations to learning mindfulness techniques that center you, our relapse prevention and aftercare planning at Complete Harmony will empower you and slowly eliminate the dangerous urge to self-medicate. Call today: 866-930-4673.