Sober Holiday Tips

For some people in recovery, especially those who are newer, holiday time can be difficult, stressful, even triggering. You don’t have to let unfulfilled expectations, family dynamics, or anything else threaten your recovery. What’s needed is a bit of thought and preparation.

Start with a strategy

• Create a plan for events you’ll attend, including when to arrive, when to leave.
• Bring your own beverages, waters, sodas, ice teas.
• Be choosey— You don’t have to go to every holiday party.
• Keep in touch with your support system.
• Take care of yourself. Eat well, get enough sleep, and exercise.
• Create new traditions: If old traditions involved drinking, this is the year to create new ones that support your new way of living.
• Have an escape plan. It’s OK to leave a gathering if your uncomfortable.
• Know what your triggers are and how to avoid or counteract them.
• Remember staying sober during the holidays is about more than just saying no to alcohol. It’s about honoring your health and sobriety first.
• Remind yourself every morning how good it feels to be sober.
• Keep your expectations realistic, so you don’t set yourself up for an emotional letdown.
• Plan activities that get your body moving. Exercise increases the production of endorphins, which are brain chemicals that can improve your mood.
• Limit the amount of time you spend with anyone who makes you uncomfortable.
• If you’re traveling, go to meetings wherever you are, home or out of town.
• Stay in touch with sober friends.
• Give thanks.
• Plan a coffee and dessert date with sober friends and be sure to invite newcomers so they feel included this time of year.