10 Recovery Support Tips for the Holiday Season

The holiday season is often stressful for everyone, but it can be especially challenging for those in recovery. However, there is a way to navigate holiday stress, avoid relapse and enjoy the celebratory season with your loved ones. Here’s how to do it:

1. Address your sobriety. Prepare what you’ll say to others when they ask you why you don’t want to drink or do drugs. It’s up to you if you want to disclose your recovery status or not; you can say that you’re driving or don’t feel like drinking, but you can also speak your truth.

2. Remind yourself why being sober is important to you. Before meeting others, take time to reflect on your reasons for staying sober and the goals you’ve achieved.

3. Choose your occasions wisely. You don’t need to go to every party or event you’re invited to—even virtual ones. If you think some occasion or group is especially dangerous to your recovery process, don’t go. Respectfully decline, and if your host doesn’t understand, it’s on them. Remember that your priority is your recovery.

4. Be mindful of what you’re eating. Recovery isn’t just staying away from your addiction; it is also eating healthy. During holiday celebrations, maintain proper nutrition and don’t overeat.

6. Have your own sober parties. Invite your recovery coach and new friends from the recovery community to celebrate the holidays. It’s important to surround yourself with other people who understand what you’re going through and who can be there for you, and vice versa. Remember, “the opposite of addiction is not sobriety, but connection.” Search online for fun games to play at virtual gatherings.

7. Exercise! There’s no better time to start exercising than during the holidays; you can save yourself the holiday pounds. You don’t have to hit the gym, but you can go out for long walks or runs. Try yoga, or go for a swim. Make getting fit one of your goals.

8. Don’t attend parties alone. Invite one of your sober peers to attend parties with you. An additional layer of support is great for both of you!

9. Get in touch with your recovery coach. Contact your coach to discuss your holiday plans: Talk about the parties you will attend, your friends or family members that could be a source of stress or risk and what situations might come up that could undermine your recovery process.

10. Share recovery literature. There are plenty of great books about recovery that can be your added support during the holidays, and you can keep them handy at all times. The more you learn about the recovery process, the more you strengthen your resolve.

Use these tips to navigate through holidays and other celebrations, so you can stay focused and committed to your recovery goals. If you or a loved one needs help with this or any other issue, Communicare is here for you. Take a look at our services and don't hesitate to contact us!