7 Tips to Prepare for a Sober Holiday Season

The holiday season is a popular time for parties. From October to January, there are many occasions to celebrate. Holidays and special occasions mean parties and social gatherings which also means a high likelihood of a trigger or encounter with alcohol or other substances.

It can be difficult to figure out how to stay sober during the holidays. When there are so many opportunities for relapse, how can you stay on top of it all? Here are some helpful tips to figure out how to spend the holidays in recovery.

1. Remember to “HALT”

You might be excited to have a fun holiday season. You might be worried about making sure it all goes to plan. It is important to remember between all of the stress and excitement of practicing self-care. The acronym HALT is a great place to start.

Stop and ask yourself:

• Are you hungry?
• Are you angry?
• Are you lonely?
• Are you tired?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then it is time to take care of yourself. Be honest but kind to yourself. Be thoughtful of your physical, mental, and emotional needs and intentional with your decisions

2. Go to a 12-Step Program Meeting

You won’t be the only person in your community who wants to stay sober this holiday season. If you’re looking for other sober people to spend time with, need a reminder of why you’re staying sober, or community support, a great place to go is a local 12-step meeting.

12-step programs, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, connect you with a community ready to help. 12-Step programs are readily available, easily accessible, free, and are proven to be effective. Why not check one out this holiday season and have a sober celebration?

3. Go to Sober Parties, or Host Your Own

High-risk scenarios significantly increase the chance of relapse. Individuals often give themselves permission to use it on holidays or trips. For example, places such as airports and all-inclusive resorts are high-risk environments, where you will be more likely to use. A holiday party with easy access to substances like alcohol is another example.  

If you know you will struggle to stay sober, don’t put yourself in a triggering environment. Why not throw your own party and keep it sober-themed? As the host or attendee of a sober party, you are better able to control triggers and exposure to substances and alcohol, reducing your likelihood of using. 

4. Practice Self-Care and Mindfulness

One of the most important ways to stay sober is to practice self-care. This could be in the form of basic, physical self-care like quality sleep, exercise, and a health-conscious diet. It could also be taking time for yourself, being kind to yourself, and giving yourself permission to have fun.

Practice self-care by engaging in mindfulness, or being aware of what’s happening in the present. One example of being mindful is the practice of meditation. By becoming deeply aware of your body and mind, you can better attend to your needs and reduce the risk of relapse.

 “Gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness.”

5. Give Thanks for What You Have

There is evidence to support the idea that gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. The practice of gratitude can help you feel more positive emotions, enjoy good experiences, improve overall health, deal with adversity, and build stronger relationships. Why not take the time to write a thank you note to someone, or keep a gratitude journal of good things throughout the day? By expressing gratitude, you can better take care of yourself and help avoid relapse this holiday season.

6. Keep Yourself Busy

Substance abuse takes up a lot of time and energy. Without addiction to fill up time and space in your life, you’ll have the freedom to find something else to do with your time. You don’t need to have the busiest schedule in the world, but keeping active is a great way to avoid relapse. Filling your holiday time with something positive, like relaxation, time with friends, exercise, or seeing a show, illustrates examples of having fun without risking relapse.

7. Surround Yourself with Loved Ones

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, a person’s recovery is supported through their relationships. This could be family members, peers, and friends. This holiday season, spend some time with friends and family. The best people to help you stay sober are the ones who love and want to support you. 

Have a Happy, Sober Holiday with SoberMind Recovery

A sober holiday season might seem difficult, but there are ways to stay ahead. If you’re going into this holiday season struggling with substance abuse, you can ask for help.

At SoberMind Recovery, we’re redefining addiction treatment while bringing new hope. If you need LGBTQIA+  treatment centers or for Dual Diagnosis, Los Angeles could be your next destination. Call our toll-free number today to see if our resources are right for you.