Commentary: How to Navigate the Holidays in Early Recovery Partnership to End Addiction

Sometimes during the holiday parties we walk into a situation that ends up being more than we bargained for. When cousin Jimmy walks in smelling like weed, it might be more overwhelming than you anticipated. This is normal, but it’s good to have an idea of what you’ll do when things get rough. Any general advice posted on our blog, website, or app is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace or substitute for any medical or other advice. If you have specific concerns or a situation arises in which you require medical advice, you should consult with an appropriately trained and qualified medical services provider.

For example, the traditions and rituals that you celebrate with your loved ones may bring to mind those who are no longer with you, which is bittersweet. In addition, in early recovery you are going to have the added challenge of navigating others’ less healthy patterns, like drinking or using substances to party or cope, which can be triggering. Navigating early recovery during the holidays can be a challenge. You may need to change some of your traditions, and emotions may run extra high. Remember that you are still building your coping tools and allow yourself some grace through this season.

Talk these things through with your parents or immediate family

Getting through the end-of-year holidays while maintaining recovery, especially for people newer to this life-changing process, is an important accomplishment—one worthy of celebration in its own https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/reframing-holidays-in-early-recovery/ right. For more ideas on dealing with difficult situations in recovery, check out a meeting near you or online. December is here and opportunities for urges and cravings seem to be everywhere.

• They are about practicing gratitude, thankfulness, generosity (in other ways than just giving gifts), and spending quality time with loved ones.
• When you are both alone and feeling lonely, it can be disastrous for your recovery.
• During the holidays, people tend to overindulge too, which can lead to binge drinking.
• Most individuals will encounter an amalgamation of emotions, including stress, happiness, melancholy, excitement, loneliness, and hope.
• If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction or ongoing recovery, The Recovery Village Columbus can help in many ways.
• It is important, no matter the season, to keep your recovery first and continue to work on staying healthy and well.
• Any general advice posted on our blog, website, or app is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace or substitute for any medical or other advice.

For people in or seeking recovery, 12-step programs provide a widely available and remarkably effective support system by surrounding them with people who have gone through and are going through the same struggles. The holiday season revolves around unrelenting themes of gratitude, abundance, and celebration. 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. The holidays are often wrought with a mix of emotions under the best of circumstance.

Tips for People Who Completed Rehab or Are in Recovery

Now that you’re sober, you have so many holidays to look forward to that won’t be tainted by alcohol or drug abuse. You’ll have the opportunity to enjoy the festivities with a clear mind and a healthy body, fully able to engage with family members and friends. Some family events and traditions revolve around drinking alcohol, such as parties featuring lots of festive alcoholic drinks or drinking games that the whole family participates in. During the holidays, people tend to overindulge too, which can lead to binge drinking. If you or a loved one is recovering from addiction, you can reduce the risk of relapse by acknowledging the triggers, finding healthy ways to cope, and seeking out additional support. But first, here are nine of the most common holiday addiction triggers to be wary of.

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, don’t hesitate to seek help and support. Your journey to recovery is a path toward a brighter and more fulfilling future, and the holiday season can be a season of healing https://ecosoberhouse.com/ and transformation. Then there is the actual physical distancing of being alone or separate from all other people. However, you can be alone and not feel lonely, and you can feel lonely even when you are not alone.

My First Holiday Season in Recovery

The biggest gift that you can give to yourself and your loved ones is that of sobriety. These are all fine things to do, but families often don’t know what to do when their new-in-recovery child disappears. In order to avoid misunderstanding, talk these things out with them in advance. Use your judgement – you don’t have to tell everyone at the party. We don’t need to agree on everything, but it’s important that we’re on the same page as parents. Perhaps there’s something your spouse thinks is very important, that you do not.