How to Honor Your Recovery During the Holidays

The holiday season with its festive gatherings and traditions can be a joyous time of year—but for those in recovery, it can also present a unique set of challenges. In tandem with the urge to celebrate and socialize, it’s essential to prioritize your well-being and protect the progress you’ve made in your recovery journey. Honoring your recovery during this time isn’t just about avoiding potential triggers; it’s about finding balance, creating meaningful connections, and embracing new traditions that align with your goals. By focusing on self-care, setting boundaries, and surrounding yourself with supportive people, you can turn the holidays into a season of growth and empowerment.

Why might this be a challenging time for those in recovery?

Stress can play a major role this time of year whether it be financial stress or the stress of being around family members. “We live in a culture where drinking and using substances is quite prevalent,” says Breezy Hayes, Program Manager at Centerstone, “so there can be a lot of triggers.” There may be gatherings where people may feel pressured to use substances, or be around others who are.Loneliness and isolation can also be major triggers for substance use and can create challenges when making good choices that support your sobriety. Schedules can also be disrupted during the holidays, and since schedules are important to a person in recovery, this may also contribute to increased stress.

What conversations should I have with my loved ones during this time?

You may find it helpful to ask ahead of time who is going to be present at certain events or gatherings so that you are able to mentally prepare and make sure that those in attendance will be a safe space for you. Additionally, it is okay to pick and choose which events you want to attend without needing to provide an explanation. This conversation could be as simple as ‘I will attend x event because I know that is a safe, sober space but I’m not going to attend x event because I know there will be alcohol or other substances present.’ When it comes to setting boundaries, remember that “no” is a complete sentence. You don’t have to explain why you’re not attending something or why you don’t want to consume substances. It may be helpful to remind your loved ones that this isn’t about being mean or antisocial, but that you are protecting yourself and your sobriety.

Are there any helpful tips I can use to navigate this time?

If you are attending a holiday gathering and aren’t sure if you will be faced with any potential triggers, keep these helpful tips in mind as you prepare:

• Have an accountability partner or sober companion accompany you to the event. If you don’t have anyone to attend the gathering with you, have someone on standby on the phone who could act as a safe space for you. “I typically recommend they have at least five reliable people that they can call any time saved in their phone,” adds Hayes.
• Drive your own vehicle to the gathering or, if that isn’t an option, arrive with someone who has their own car who is willing to leave when you are. Or, have someone on standby who can pick you up.
• Bring your own beverage and cup so you’re not faced with frequent offers to fill your glass.
• Leave. If you are feeling uncomfortable, there is no reason you need to stay.
• Have the tough conversations with family members ahead of time so you aren’t faced with the stress in the moment. And remember that you can love your family but recognize when they may not be supportive of your recovery. Setting boundaries with loved ones is a healthy and necessary step to stay strong in your journey.

How can I successfully celebrate the holidays while in recovery?

“The opposite of addiction is connection,” adds Hayes, “so staying connected to safe, sober supports is important.” You may find it helpful to have access to sober activities or to plan your own during the holiday season such as going to see light displays, baking cookies, watching festive movies, or even volunteering at a local soup kitchen to spread holiday cheer.

Honoring your recovery during the holidays is a powerful act of self-care and resilience. By prioritizing your well-being, setting boundaries, and leaning on your support system, you can navigate the season with confidence and joy. Remember, your recovery is a gift to yourself—one that deserves to be protected and celebrated every day, including during the holidays. If you are in need of additional support in your recovery journey, Centerstone is here for you. Call us at 877-HOPE123 (1-877-467-3123) or visit our addiction services page to learn more.