The combination of alcohol and family dynamics can be challenging. Consider an exit strategy or a safety plan if alcohol is being served or if you feel anxious at these events. I didn’t have an incredible holiday season but you know what? I hung out with friends, went to meetings, and ate at Denny’s.
Strategies to Avoid Relapse
- Your friends and family at Lighthouse Recovery Institute will be here to help you navigate these stressful days.
- Relapse manifests steadily, and it’s crucial to recognize these signs before things progress.
A relapse prevention plan works as an excellent guide to understanding what makes you tick. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction or ongoing recovery, The Recovery Village Columbus can help in many ways. We offer a teletherapy service that allows you to receive treatment for substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions from the comfort of your home. It can be a way to address mental health concerns like depression, loneliness and isolation while staying safe during the pandemic. • Isolation is not beneficial for someone in early recovery.
- We also enforce a tiered review process in which at least three individuals — two or more being licensed clinical experts — review, edit, and approve each piece of content before it is published.
- Boredom and stress are powerful factors that could push you to use them.
- Every late-November through December we are encouraged—sometimes even pressured, directly and indirectly—to celebrate the holidays that mark each year’s conclusion.
- Understanding the concept of relapse, recognizing its stages, and implementing effective prevention strategies are crucial steps in maintaining a solid recovery journey.
- Acceptance is crucial because it allows you to address the situation realistically and clearly.
Have someone who is sober be with you during this time:
- Our clinical and medical experts, ranging from licensed therapists and counselors to psychiatric nurse practitioners, author our content, in partnership with our editorial team.
- When attending an event with substances, have a pre-planned way to get out if things become difficult.
- The following will provide some tips for maintaining recovery over the holidays, whether you’re in active treatment or long-term recovery.
- For people in early recovery, these stressors can be more severe.
- Sometimes, recovery involves taking a break from certain people and situations so as to really focus on oneself and avoid bad influences.
Shame and guilt can fester from within, especially if you find yourself in a scenario where you’re most vulnerable. You discover alcohol there and call back on your relapse prevention plan to guide you. The holidays can present many triggers towards substance use and it’s crucial to have a course of action if you find yourself with cravings. The temptations to fit in and get along with loved ones can introduce conflicting feelings.
Tips to Enjoy a Sober Holiday Season
Every emotionally challenging situation a sober young person is able to face, the stronger his or her recovery will be. Those who are supportive of your recovery want to know what you need. Let a close friend know that you need an accountability partner to attend an event with you. Let family and friends know in advance that you won’t be drinking alcohol at the event. It might seem silly at first, but writing down our triggers, responses, and plans in advance can help us be better prepared for difficult situations. Take some time this holiday season to print out our holiday and recovery worksheet to help you create your plan to stay on your recovery path this season.
- Finally, we are living in a heated political atmosphere and family events may elicit unwanted conversations and conflict about these topics.
- Our team of experienced professionals can help you reassess your treatment plan, adjust it as necessary, and provide the support you need to recommit to your recovery journey.
- I think that it is vital that this be an individual who has had a sustained period of recovery of a minimum of at least two years of continuous sobriety.
- It will help to be around people who understand what you’re going through.
- Psychotherapy such as CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) and group therapy could be viable options.
- Michael J. Rounds is the author of 10,000 Days Sober and an addiction recovery specialist at a correctional facility in Indiana.
The holiday season revolves around unrelenting themes of gratitude, abundance, and celebration. The holidays can be a wonderful time to reconnect with others, despite certain obstacles. If you’re in recovery, reevaluate your relapse prevention plan to determine what’s best for you. Adapting to these lifestyle changes requires time and you could be experiencing denial. It’s important to recognize the importance of self-care and identifying these patterns in a relapse prevention plan. Relapse is a common occurrence in addiction recovery, with roughly 40-60% of recovering individuals relapsing.
How Do The Holidays Affect Substance Abuse?
Anxiety can impact the functioning of a person’s mental health, resorting to substances. The holiday season, especially in America, can be quite exciting yet stressful. From last-minute shopping to heated political discussions over the dinner table, reframing holidays in early recovery this can be a challenging period for those in recovery. It’s important to remain compassionate towards yourself during this time. Remember, everyone’s journey to recovery is different, and what works for one person may not work for another.