Season’s greetings are often synonymous with a time of joy and celebration. Yet, for people struggling with alcohol addiction or living their lives in active recovery, Christmas can be a completely different reality. The merriment and social gatherings can be a period of heightened anxiety and challenges, and it’s not just every celebration being marked with alcohol that makes things difficult, but also the difficult social dynamics these occasions often bring.[1]
During this time, we might face the added stress of family interactions, which can be emotionally triggering, or the loneliness of spending holidays away from loved ones. Additionally, work parties and social events can create uncomfortable situations, particularly when your colleagues are unaware of your recovery status.
However, it’s not all doom and gloom! Being in recovery means you can learn to enjoy holiday activities in a different context, managing the negatives and appreciating the upsides. With careful planning, enjoying the holiday season, staying true to your recovery goals, and having fun are all possible, as witnessed by the millions of people in recovery who have a wonderful time at this time of year.
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[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3066296/#R13
Understanding the Holiday Triggers
Though billed as a time of merriment, the festive season can be a minefield of challenges for those dealing with alcohol-related issues (and even those who don’t). The holiday environment can catalyze a huge range of emotional and psychological triggers, such as:
- Social pressures: Seasonal parties and gatherings, often centered around drinking, can create intense pressure for those with an unhealthy relationship with alcohol. The expectation to partake in celebratory drinking can seem overwhelming.
- Emotional stress: Holidays can resurrect old wounds and unresolved family conflicts, and make feelings of sadness or loss worse, which can amplify the urge to seek escape with alcohol
- Changes in routine: The holiday season often disrupts our daily routines, which can be destabilizing for people working on maintaining sobriety. This is especially apparent when travelling to a new area, away from the usual support network and meetings.
- Feelings of isolation: For those who are alone during the holidays, the pervasive sense of togetherness can heighten feelings of loneliness and isolation and make escaping with a drink seem tempting.
Strategies for Navigating Holiday Events
As the holiday season approaches, preparation is vital for those in recovery who are looking to maintain their sobriety. Being prepared with strategies to manage potential triggers at holiday events can make all the difference. Practical tips for attending holiday events could include:
- Identify and avoid toxic people: Be honest with yourself about which friends or family members might not be helpful to your recovery. If certain people have historically led to stress or relapse, it’s okay to avoid them. Your loved ones would rather you make a sober phone call than turn up in-person and drink.
- Always have a non-alcoholic drink to hand: This can help avoid unwanted attention or questions about why you’re not drinking and also keeps your hands occupied. Make sure you don’t pick up drinks without knowing exactly what’s in them – putting all this effort into planning and then drinking by mistake isn’t something you want to do.
- Plan your exit strategy: Knowing in advance how and when you can leave a party can provide peace of mind and give you an easy way out if things become overwhelming. Choose your events carefully. Opt for gatherings where alcohol is not the main focus or ones where you feel safe and supported. One of the many positives of being sober is being able to drive home whenever you like with peace of mind!
- Bring a supportive friend: Having someone who understands your journey can provide moral support and help you navigate tricky situations.
- Prepare responses: Think about how you’ll respond to offers of alcoholic drinks or questions about why you’re not drinking. You could tell people you’ve not been drinking for a while and you’re really enjoying the health benefits. Thankfully, being tee total is becoming more normalized, so just saying ‘I’m not drinking’ is raising fewer questions than in previous times. Remember though, although recovery requires honesty, avoiding being entirely truthful here is fine if needed. If you’re not comfortable saying why you’re remaining sober, you can say you’re on medication or driving later.
- Self-care isn’t selfish – communicate your needs: Be clear with friends and family about your boundaries regarding alcohol and your comfort levels at social events.
- Don’t be afraid to say no: It’s okay to decline invitations to gatherings where you feel your sobriety might be at risk. Put your needs first – your health and recovery are what’s most important. If an event feels too challenging, it’s okay to skip it.
- Find your crowd: Being sober doesn’t mean you need to be alone, either. You can choose to organize a gathering yourself, or alternatively, there are plenty of sober movements you can join, and many bars and clubs that you can go to that are alcohol-free.[2]
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[2] https://www.lhsfna.org/are-we-drinking-less-exploring-the-sober-curious-trend/
Making Sure You Have a Support System
During the holiday season, your support system can be working behind the scenes to keep your spirits high and your recovery on track. While socializing can be difficult, having dependable people to back you up can make all the difference.
- Regular contact with a mutual aid group can provide a sense of stability and understanding. Consider attending extra meetings if you’re feeling particularly vulnerable – you can find a list using this link.
- Online AA meetings offer continuous support, especially when face-to-face meetings may not be accessible or leaving to attend one might raise questions. If you search ‘aa marathon meeting’, you’ll find a range of 24/7 online meetings happening all over the world!
- If you’re working with a professional, schedule sessions around the holiday period for additional support.
- Make use of digital media! If you’re away from your regular support network, don’t isolate! Remember that phone calls, video chats, and messaging can keep you connected.
Find Sober Connections
The holiday season is a great time to embrace community and support, and this extends to sobriety! Across the globe, various movements and groups are dedicated to creating a supportive, alcohol-free environment. Whether you’re seeking companionship, understanding, or just a fun, sober space, these communities offer a wealth of resources.
Additionally, Facebook is a fantastic tool for finding local sober meetups and communities in your area. Just search ‘sober meetups’ or ‘sober groups’ along with your city or region to discover a supportive network near you. Here’s a list of resources you can use to find sober people in your area:
- Alcoholics Anonymous USA Hotline – (209) 339-1201
- Alcoholics Anonymous Global Meeting Finder
- Women For Sobriety Community
- SMART Recovery Meeting Finder
- She Recovers Online Community
Start Your Recovery with Crossroads
As the festive season unfolds, remember that Crossroads Antigua is always open, offering a safe and sober environment. We often see an increase in people seeking support during this time, and we’re fully prepared to offer a positive start to the New Year. Our community, united by a common goal, focuses on making the most of this season and taking meaningful steps towards recovery.
If you need someone to talk to, a reassuring voice at the end of the line, or more comprehensive support, we’re here for you. At Crossroads Antigua, we’re committed to being a part of your journey, providing tailored treatments that blend clinical and holistic therapies for a strong foundation in long-term sobriety. Whether you’re reaching out for yourself or a loved one, we’re just a click or call away.
Don’t let the holiday season be a hurdle on your road to recovery. Reach out to us, and let’s turn this festive season into a milestone for a healthier, happier future. To discover more about our approach and how we can assist, call us at 1 (888) 452-0091.