12 Ways to Stay Sober During a Bustling Holiday Season

The holiday season marks a special time to gather with loved ones to celebrate gratitude, abundance, and the new year. Unfortunately, many people equate celebrations with alcohol consumption, whether that means having a festive cocktail at dinner or a champagne toast at midnight.

For this reason, the holidays can be tough and anxiety-provoking for people who are in addiction recovery. People with substance use disorder may find it more challenging to avoid peer pressure and alcohol-infused social settings. 

Whether you are in your first few weeks of recovery or have years of sobriety under your belt, there are things you can do to avoid your triggers and set yourself up for success. In this article, we’ll share tips for staying sober and ways to support your recovery during the holidays.

Why Are the Holidays Challenging in Addiction Recovery?

During holiday celebrations, people are more likely to drink past their limits than they are during other times of the year. Research suggests that alcohol consumption spikes in the weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, with some people drinking twice as much alcohol as they do throughout the rest of the year.

One explanation for this trend is that the holidays introduce increased stress levels – a factor that is known to increase alcohol use. People may use alcohol or other substances to cope with stress from situations such as:

• Family dynamics and visits
• Increased travel
• Financial strain
• Last-minute gift shopping
• Grief and loss

Because alcohol consumption increases for a lot of people during the holidays, it’s important for those in recovery to remain vigilant to maintain their progress.

12 Sobriety Tips for the Holidays

Staying sober during the holidays involves advance planning and intentionality. Below are some sobriety tips for the holiday season.

1. Bring Your Own Non-Alcoholic Drinks

If you’re heading to a holiday party or event where you know there will be alcohol, bring your own drink alternatives so you know you have something you can sip on while you’re there. 

Pour your drink into a wine glass to avoid peer pressure and ward off uncomfortable conversations. People rarely ask what’s in someone’s glass.

2. Make Your Own Accommodations

To avoid temptation, try thinking through all of your holiday-related activities in advance to get ahead of any triggers that may catch you by surprise. 

For example, if you plan to fly elsewhere to visit loved ones, consider asking a friend to join you so you know you won’t end up sitting next to a passenger who is drinking during the flight. If you can’t bring someone, don’t be afraid to voice your concerns to a flight attendant who could help reseat you if it becomes an issue.

Another important tip is to bring your car or arrange your own means of transportation everywhere you go. This gives you an easy out if the situation becomes overwhelming.

3. Focus on Creative Activities

Just like holidays revolve around alcohol, they also center heavily on food. Consider engaging your loved ones in creative activities like cooking instead of sitting around and talking, such as:

• Making gingerbread houses
• Decorating cookies
• Hosting a bake-off
• Cooking a meal together

4. Avoid People and Situations That May Trigger You

If you’re traveling to visit loved ones, make it a point to avoid catching up with friends or family members you used to drink or use drugs with so you don’t feel triggered. 

Similarly, if there are places or scenarios you know are triggering – such as your family members meeting up at a bar – politely count yourself out or make other plans. The same is true if there are family conflicts you know will make you want to reach for a drink.

5. Maintain Your Recovery Routine

If you’re in recovery, chances are you have some routines or habits that are helping to drive your success. Consider those activities, and try to continue them even when traveling or on a different schedule.

This may include penciling in habits like:

• Exercising regularly
• Attending a 12-step program (these are available all over the country, so check out if there are any meetings near where you’ll be traveling) 
• Eating healthy
• Getting plenty of sleep
• Checking in with an accountability partner

Maintaining your recovery routine also means keeping a balanced schedule. Remember: You don’t have to accept every invitation you receive.

6. Plan for How to Deal With Cravings

Addiction recovery is not a perfect process. You may still experience cravings, especially if you encounter one of your triggers. 

Make a plan in advance for handling any temptations, whether that means removing yourself from the situation, calling a friend, or stepping away for a breather.

7. Prioritize Self-Care

Self-care is tremendously important on the road to recovery, and it shouldn’t be an afterthought when your schedule gets busy. Be sure to leave time for a walk, watch your favorite TV show, and check in with yourself about how you feel between festivities.

8. Give and Receive

When we help others, we help ourselves in return. Spending time volunteering in your community is a good way to keep yourself busy during the holidays.

Some examples of ways you can make a difference include:

• Assembling care packages for those who are homeless
• Creating holiday cards for those who are in the hospital
• Making a meal for a neighbor in need
• Going through your closet and donating winter clothes you no longer wear
• Volunteering with an existing holiday event, such as a “fun run” or fundraiser

9. Create Substance-Free Holiday Traditions

Lots of families have holiday traditions. If yours involves drinking, consider starting a new tradition that is free of substances. For example, you could:

• Invite friends and family to go ice skating
• Take part in Christmas caroling
• See a holiday play, such as The Nutcracker
• Decorate your home for the holidays
• Volunteer together

10. Reward and Forgive

Because recovery is not a linear process, it’s just as important to remember to reward yourself for healthily navigating tough situations as it is to forgive yourself if you have a slip-up. 

Remember to hold compassion for yourself, consider why recovery is important, and celebrate all your progress.

11. Remember That Things Will Get Better

Addiction recovery will have its ups and downs, but when you’re feeling defeated, remember that things will get better. You are doing something difficult, and it’s OK to feel like you’re struggling. Keep your sights set on what life beyond recovery will look like.

12. Ask for Help When You Need It

If you feel like you aren’t managing the holiday season well, ask for help. This may mean calling a sober friend for advice, attending 12-step meetings more regularly, or finding a counselor to help you develop more effective coping skills.

Help is always available. If you feel lost, give us a call. We’re here to help you navigate your journey to recovery.

SoberMind Recovery: Dual Diagnosis Treatment in Los Angeles

SoberMind Recovery in Los Angeles offers a range of addiction treatment programs to help with withdrawal management, therapy, and inpatient residential needs. We also specialize in helping those who are battling an addiction alongside another mental health condition, such as anxiety or depression, through our Dual-Diagnosis Program.

Make sure you have the support and tools to prioritize your sobriety during the holidays. Call us now at 818-835-9268, or request a callback using our online message form.