5 Tips for staying sober through the holiday season

The holiday season can be a challenging time for those in recovery from addiction. Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s often center around parties and gatherings where alcohol flows freely.

For those newly sober or who have experienced relapses on holidays, being surrounded by drinking while trying to maintain sobriety can feel daunting.

There are ways to celebrate while staying on track with your recovery goals. This blog gives five tips for staying sober during the holidays, no matter your stage of recovery.

Be Prepared Mentally

Preparing for potential triggers and temptations before the holidays is crucial. Get into the right headspace by planning for triggers for cravings, such as:

Engaging in traditions
The decorations and music
Holiday dishes
Social pressure

“Playing the tape forward” by envisioning the negative consequences of a relapse can be helpful.

Instead of focusing on the immediate craving, picture yourself waking up full of regret and shame, having to start over after all the progress you’ve made. Develop a plan for what to do when a craving hits, such as:

Calling your sponsor
Distracting yourself
Leaving the situation

The holidays will be full of opportunities for growth if you’re ready for the challenge.

Have Sober Social Supports

Surrounding yourself with other sober people during the holidays is invaluable. Lean on your network from recovery meetings and make time to attend extra meetings leading up to and during the holidays for support.

Sponsorship activities like working steps can provide motivation to maintain sobriety despite temptations.

In addition to parties for work, friends, and family, attend holiday events specifically for those in recovery. Being around others committed to sobriety helps you feel less alone and develop traditions separate from drinking. Isolation is dangerous, so stay connected.

Avoid Tempting Situations

It’s perfectly acceptable to avoid events where heavy drinking will be occurring. Don’t feel pressured to put yourself in tempting situations just because of the holiday.

Set clear boundaries with loved ones and politely decline invitations to parties or events at bars if needed. Protecting your recovery comes first. Suggest alternative activities with family and friends that don’t revolve around alcohol, such as:

Doing an escape room
Board game nights
Cooking or baking classes
Attending holiday shows
Seeing a holiday light exhibit

Create a sober oasis at home with your favorite relaxing activities to enjoy. Don’t let FOMO derail your progress. Take pride in maintaining your sobriety and focus on self-care.

Keep Your Recovery Routine

The holidays often disrupt routine with travel, busy schedules, and added stress. Be vigilant about maintaining your recovery rituals like:

Attending meetings
Journaling
Exercise
Meditation

Routines provide stability and keep us grounded. If you’ll be traveling, research meetings in the area beforehand. Let your sponsor know your trip plans and set up check-ins. Pack reliable tools to support your sobriety, such as:

Recovery workbooks
Gratitude journal
Herbal teas
Sobriety apps and podcasts
HALT worksheets
Essential oil rollers

Keeping up healthy habits during the holidays prevents resentment and burnout.

Find New Holiday Traditions

Creating new sober holiday traditions helps sever the association between alcohol and celebrating. Get creative and make the holidays about meaning, not drinking.

Volunteer at a soup kitchen or shelter to help those in need.
Start a gingerbread house competition.
Drive around looking at neighborhood light displays.
Host a hot chocolate and cookie decorating party.
Cook a holiday meal for friends, family, or neighbors.
Give back to the recovery community by sponsoring someone new.

Enjoy the true spirit of the season through connections, food, activities, rest, and reflection. The possibilities are endless.

Find a supportive community to help you navigate the holidays while maintaining your sobriety at Birdsong Sober Living.

With the proper preparation and support, you can navigate the holidays while staying sober. If you’re looking for a supportive recovery community this holiday season, consider Birdsong Sober Living.