The holidays are a time to be jolly and spread cheer. If you just got sober it may create some unease to think of spending your first Christmas without the use of alcohol and drugs. Getting through the normal hustle and bustle of the holidays sober can seem impossible. Holiday parties and social events are normal parts of the season, but can be difficult to endure if you are newly sober.
Have a getaway plan
To protect your sobriety there should be a plan in place to leave a situation that might make you feel uncomfortable. Family members may be drinking in front of you or being unsupportive of your recovery. If this is the case, it might be best to have a backup plan to leave a function that may cause triggers or cravings.
Find new holiday traditions
With the start of sobriety can be the start of new holiday traditions. Plan your own party and invite your new sober friends. Play games and create new memories of gathering and celebrating. Put your sobriety first in a way that can reproduced for years to come in the name of fun!
Be grateful
If you are full of gratitude it can make life easier to recognize and list out the things that you are thankful for. Gratitude lists are an excellent tool to count your blessings and remind yourself why you should stay sober.
Go to meetings
Whether you are in town or out of town, meetings can be a useful tool to keep your head on straight. Being amongst your peers of recovery is important especially during stressful times like the holidays. Relating with other alcoholics or addicts can be influential in staying sober. If you are out of town call your twelve step program’s central office and get in tune with the meetings in that area. Most meetings enjoy having visitors to share their experience, strength, and hope with. Visitors can give a new perspective that can be refreshing.
Have a personal 12-step call list
Make list of people that you know could call when you are feeling uncomfortable or out of place. Having a list of people to call when things go awry with your friends and family, could be the difference between your recovery and your relapse. Calling people may help them just as much as it can help you. Reaching out just might keep you on the nice list instead of being on the naughty list.
Serenity Oaks Wellness Center provides a 5 week long rehab program to men and women seeking to make their lives more beautiful through recovery. Let treatment at Serenity Oaks be the beginning of your beautiful life of recovery. Start today by calling us for information: 844-720-6847
