They are developed, implemented, and evaluated by your treatment team with input from the recovering individual and/or their loved ones. Recovery is a journey of rediscovery, resilience, and personal https://ecosoberhouse.com/ growth. By reframing your present circumstances as the starting point, harnessing your inner strength, and embracing the support available, you can navigate the path to sobriety with confidence.
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It’s important to understand the difference between a lapse (an initial use of a substance) and a relapse (uncontrolled use of a substance). This can be frustrating for individuals who might have lost hope for sobriety. In navigating social situations during the holidays, sober individuals should prepare prior to the occasion by having a clear escape plan in case the gathering becomes uncomfortable. Having a source of support readily available, such as a sponsor, therapist, or friend, can likewise make all the difference when navigating New Year’s gatherings and other holiday celebrations. Knowing that you will be without family during the holidays, you will need to make a plan to successfully navigate the holiday season to prevent both loneliness and being alone.
Dec A Framework for Staying Sober Through the Holidays in Early Recovery
- In the middle of a party where it seems like everyone is having fun and that alcohol and drugs are part of that fun, your reasons for staying sober can sometimes seem to just fade away.
- In December 2020, 40 U.S. states saw increases in opioid-related mortality along with ongoing concerns for those with substance use disorders, according to the American Medical Association.
- Our clinical and medical experts, ranging from licensed therapists and counselors to psychiatric nurse practitioners, author our content, in partnership with our editorial team.
- At Little Creek Recovery, our holistic approach ensures that individuals receive the necessary support to improve their physical well-being, which in turn strengthens their overall resilience.
- You may not be conscious of the emotional withdrawal that comes with relapse.
- You can give yourself permission to simply be where you are emotionally.
This is an ongoing adage in recovery, because each phase will eventually pass. Remember that early recovery doesn’t last forever – if you have to alter your plans dramatically this year, that doesn’t mean you have to do it this way every year. We also enforce a tiered review process in which at least three individuals — two or more being licensed clinical reframing holidays in early recovery experts — review, edit, and approve each piece of content before it is published. Finally, we frequently update old content to reflect the most up-to-date information. Our clinical and medical experts, ranging from licensed therapists and counselors to psychiatric nurse practitioners, author our content, in partnership with our editorial team.
Staying Sober Through the Holidays
A person in recovery may feel a need to self-soothe with alcohol or drugs to achieve temporary peace of mind or a sense of control over their environment. While statistics about relapse during the holiday season are difficult to find, correlational studies do suggest that this time of year, in particular, can take an emotional toll on those struggling with addiction. 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.
Winter holiday stressors can endanger sobriety, but healing is still possible.
Those who have never suffered from addiction may have difficulty understanding why the scenarios outlined above can be fear-inducing for some in the recovery community. Viewing addiction as a form of avoidant behavior can help clarify some of these questions. During active use, most individuals struggle with relationships and keep themselves isolated due to unresolved conflicts, shame, and other unprocessed issues. 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.
Roughly 91,000 deaths have been reported for December since 1999, with roughly 29% of users reporting an increase in alcohol use. During these months, a majority of Americans will experience moderate to intense levels of stress. Getting through the holidays can be tough, but remember you are not alone.
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In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, substance use may be even higher than in previous years. There has been an increase in alcohol sales in the U.S. from March to September months of 2020, suggesting more at-home alcohol consumption during the pandemic (Castaldelli-Maia et al., 2021). Thus, this year, in particular, there may be more individuals struggling with alcohol and other drug consumption during the holiday season. Crafting your holiday relapse prevention plan will help you anticipate your every move, so you can stay away from the substances that once caused you irreparable harm. People struggling with addiction often feel much regret in their past actions.
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As you’re preparing for holiday challenges in early recovery, we hope these tips give you the guidance you need to remain sober. When individuals in recovery place this type of pressure on themselves around the holidays, they face a greater risk of relapse. Triggers may serve as a reminder of unresolved past emotional hurts and wounds or justification for compromising sobriety.
- Recover from addiction at home with medication, community, and support—from the nonjudmental experts who really care.
- We provide detox and residential addiction treatment to individuals from all across the United States.
- Make plans with your friends in recovery from your sober living facility, your 12-Step or other support meetings, exercise groups, work, or other places you have sober friends.
- You may be alone by necessity, because you are unable to travel, or because your family is not available.
- Cravings for the substance become more apparent, as you fantasize about past use and seek to maintain control.
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Medications may be used for a short or long period of time depending upon your personal recovery plan and goals. The use of medications in addiction treatment improves recovery outcomes. With the holidays approaching, this can be an inviting opportunity to reconnect with loved ones over the past year. Your recovery is a delicate and complex process that demands patience. Understanding the resources you have available when you feel overwhelmed or confused could spare you from cravings.