No products added!
You are not responsible for your guest’s recovery, even if that guest is your child, sibling, or parent. Behind the scenes orchestration to “help” the recovering person through the event can sometimes be unhelpful. Instead, reach out to him or her to see if there’s anything you can do to help the event go smoothly. If you do, be ready and willing to accept “No, thank you” as the answer.
Crafting Your Holiday Relapse Prevention Plan
SMART Recovery Family & Friends helps those who are affected by substance abuse, drug abuse, alcohol abuse, or other addictions of a loved reframing holidays in early recovery one. Our program is a science-based, secular alternative to Al-Anon and Johnson Intervention, and our method is based on the tools of SMART Recovery and CRAFT (Community Reinforcement and Family Training). CRAFT aims to teach family and friends self-protection and non-confrontational communication skills to help their addicted loved one find recovery.
Recovery Advocacy
These situations can evoke strong emotions and the desire to use substances as an escape. There’s an underlying expectation to be merry and joyful during the holidays. For someone in recovery, this pressure can feel overwhelming, leading to the desire to turn to substances to fit in or feel the expected holiday cheer. The helpline at AddictionResource.net is available 24/7 to discuss the treatment needs of yourself or a loved one.
Recovery Coaching
Getting through the holidays can be tough, but remember you are not alone. Let this be an opportunity to grow and make better choices next time. If you have had one slip, or especially if you’ve had multiple slips, it’s important to recognize not only that this happened, but that you don’t have to face it alone. Turn off the TV, turn down the lights, read a book, or drink a cup of calming noncaffeinated tea. All these things can be part of a healthy bedtime routine. Have a bedtime routine that allows you enough time to process what happened during the day.
- At the very least, get to a meeting – it’s a great way to get support quickly with people who are going through the same thoughts you are.
- If you’re looking for resources and tools to help you stay on track in your recovery during the holidays, AddictionResource.net has got you covered.
- These changes can unsettle someone in recovery, making them more susceptible to relapse.
As such, it’s important to be extra careful, whether you’re staying at home or attending events. If you’re in inpatient treatment over the holidays, it’s easy to feel lonely, or like you’re missing out on festivities. First and foremost, it’s important to remember the reasons why you’re attending treatment in the first place.
Any thoughts of weakness should trigger you to call your sponsor. At the very least, get to a meeting – it’s a great way to get support quickly with people who are going through the same thoughts you are. Meetings are great for helping you learn how to get through the holidays while in recovery because everyone who attends also go through the same challenges. In the meetings, you’ll get tips, share experiences and draw strength from the successes of others. Each holiday season, millions of Americans successfully maintain their sobriety by having a plan in place to avoid and manage triggers.
Find Addiction Treatment During The Holidays
Beverages such as hot spiced cider, hot cocoa, iced or hot tea or coffee are often welcomed. Some people in long-term recovery drink so-called “non-alcoholic” beer and wine. If this works for them, it is of course perfectly acceptable. It should be noted, though, that these beverages generally do include small amounts of alcohol.
Kathy, 33 years in recovery
Depending on where you live, there may be different holiday activities available, but here are some different ways you can enjoy the holiday season sober anywhere. Not surprisingly, all this might leave you feeling extremely vulnerable, raw, and sensitive. There are plenty of other newly-sober individuals that share the same struggles and temptations during the holiday season and there is much support to be found.
Why are the Holidays so Hard?
- The communal aspect of addiction support groups can offer comfort during the holidays, especially after a relapse, when you may not be feeling your best.
- When attending an event with substances, have a pre-planned way to get out if things become difficult.
- Relapse among people with substance use disorder is not uncommon.
- Tell them how you are feeling about the upcoming holiday and ask if you can call them if you feel in danger of relapsing.
- When you’re newly recovering from an addiction, though, this time of year can be dangerous – deadly for some of us.
After all, aren’t they trying to celebrate with their family and loved ones? Who are you to interrupt their celebration with your problems? These are the things that our shame and addiction tell us and keep us from getting the support we need to stay sober.