The fall season brings months of crisp weather, nights of family gatherings, and the notorious holidays. Halloween and Thanksgiving are followed by the winter holidays, and then the New Year begins. Within that time, friends host parties, and family members host dinners and celebrations.
While some people look forward to the holiday season all year long, for others, it can bring feelings of dread and anxiety. For those who have completed drug or alcohol addiction treatment and are in recovery, it can also be a triggering time of year.
Our team at Tennessee Wellness Center wants you to have a happy, sober holiday and we are here to provide tips that will help you accomplish this goal.
Why The Holidays Are Challenging
When you think of the winter holidays, you likely don’t think about the many challenges they bring. However, the truth is, there are many stressors and triggers associated with the holiday season.
Individuals in recovery may feel overwhelmed by:
- The amount of time required to be spent with family and friends
- The number of social obligations
- The presence of alcohol at holiday festivities
- The financial obligations of the season
- The fear of feeling lonely or isolated from loved ones
- Breaking their routine
These factors can all weigh heavily on one’s mind and ultimately could lead people to break their sobriety as a coping mechanism. Our staff at Tennessee Wellness Center is here to explain what steps you can take to ensure this does not happen to you.
Practical Sobriety Tips for the Holiday Season
Many of the parties and celebrations you’ll be invited to during the holidays may serve alcohol. It can be uncomfortable remaining sober when you are surrounded by people who are drinking socially. It may even make you feel inclined to reach for a beverage. However, there are ways to make it through the holiday season while maintaining your sobriety.
Here are a few ways you can stay sober while still having fun through the holidays:
- Have a Plan. It is likely that the dinners and gatherings you attend will serve alcohol. Those who aren’t aware of your sobriety may even offer you a drink. Creating a plan for this scenario will help you feel less pressured to accept the drink on the spot. One solution in this situation is to keep a glass of water, juice, or soda in your hand. People will be less inclined to offer you a drink if they see you already have one.
- Practice Saying No. There are many ways to refuse alcohol respectfully. Being proactive and rehearsing these answers will create a sense of confidence and prepare you for an enjoyable evening. Keep in mind that you don’t owe anyone an explanation for why you aren’t drinking. If you don’t feel like discussing your situation with others, you don’t have to! You can simply say you’re the designated driver for the evening, or you have to be up early.
- Designate a Trusted Friend. Attending holiday gatherings with a friend will not only lessen any potential social anxiety but will also help hold you accountable. Before the party, discuss your concerns with your friend and let them know about situations that may make you feel uncomfortable. You can also create a signal for when you’re ready to leave. Having someone you know and trust will bring an additional level of comfort and support.
- Know When to Leave. Holiday parties can be extremely triggering. At the beginning of a party, people may just be settling in and chatting, but more and more drinks are typically poured as the night goes on. Later into the evening, the environment may become louder or more uncomfortable. Plan a specific time to leave the party before arriving. This will hold you to your sobriety and help you avoid any discomfort as people continue to indulge. By picking a time in advance, you’ll be able to enjoy the event more and experience less stress.
- Practice Self-Care. The holidays often focus on spending time with and giving to others. You may feel so many obligations over the holidays that you don’t maintain self-care. Don’t let this happen– carve out time and take the space you need to care for yourself. This is especially necessary if you are feeling negative emotions and are at risk of spiraling. Give yourself permission to say no to social obligations and only stay where you are comfortable. Your health and recovery are of the utmost importance no matter the time of year.
- Keep Your Routine As Much As Possible. Maintaining your routine is important during the holiday season. If you wake up around a certain time, exercise regularly, have certain days for certain activities, etc., try to keep this routine as much as you can. This consistency will help you feel more in control of your life and ultimately provide you with mental fortitude.
- Keep Support Networks Close. Who do you rely on when you’re having a hard time? Do you contact friends or family? Do you have a recovery mentor? Do you attend therapy? Whatever you choose, make sure you have access to support over the holidays. Ask a friend if you can call if you begin to struggle and plan to attend therapy throughout the season.
- Avoid Triggers. Many holiday celebrations involve alcohol, especially New Year’s Eve. If you know that an upcoming event will be focused on alcohol or other substances, it may be best to avoid attending. This removes the chance of you acting on any triggers and temptations.
- Be Open With Your Loved Ones. Don’t try to get through your holiday-related challenges alone. If you feel yourself struggling, reach out to loved ones and be open and honest with them. Do not try to hide your feelings or concerns. Your loved ones are there to support and help you. If you do not feel comfortable speaking candidly with your loved ones, reach out to our team at Tennessee Wellness Center.
- Celebrate Your Progress. Finally, remember to celebrate your progress. Every day you stay sober is a victory worth celebrating. The holiday season is a great time to reflect on how far you've come and express gratitude for the strength and resilience you've shown.
Lean on Tennessee Wellness Center for Support
Remember, you don't have to face the holiday season alone. Your journey toward recovery is personal, but it's also part of a larger story — one of resilience, strength, and the power of community.
Tennessee Wellness Center is here for you, providing a compassionate, understanding, and supportive environment where you can seek help during this potentially challenging time. We are ready to customize a plan that fits your specific needs and helps you avoid those holiday triggers.
Contact Tennessee Wellness Center today, and let's ensure your holiday season is filled with joy, peace, and continued success on your path to recovery.