The holiday season is upon us. While the holidays are a time of celebrating with family and friends, they can also be a time of tension and stress. American culture places alcohol at the center of most of our celebrations, making the holiday especially challenging for those in recovery. Alcohol addiction is a chronic disease, and individuals in recovery are constantly faced with challenges and potential triggers. At a time rife with challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the holidays can add an extra layer of feeling isolated or lonely.
Next Wind Recovery is an outpatient addiction treatment center offering multiple levels of care. If you need extra support to maintain your sobriety throughout the holiday season, reach out to discover how we can help. Use our secure online form or call 201.331.6569.
Tips to Help Maintain Sober Living Through the Holidays
Drinking does not begin with the physical act but rather with a thought. Tell yourself firmly that you are not going to drink. If you are on the fence, you are planting a seed of doubt that can lead to problems ahead. Successfully getting through detox and alcohol addiction treatment is quite an accomplishment. Just as it took hard work and dedication to make it this far, so will it take the same to maintain your sobriety. While the holidays can feel like minefields of triggers, you can be prepared for anything with some pre-planning. Consider these tips:
- Rely on your sober network – Starting your day with a 12-step meeting helps you get in the right mindset and sets the tone for the day. Make arrangements with your sponsor or sober friends to call for extra support throughout the day.
- Plan ahead – Have transportation so you can arrive late and leave early. Bring a sober friend, if possible, and stay alert to relapse triggers: H.A.L.T. (hungry, angry, lonely, tired).
- Know your limits with family – You may have strained relationships with family members because of your addiction, or you may have family members who do not support your sobriety. If time with family will put you at too high a risk of relapse, turn down the invitation.
- Be of service – Putting a focus on others over self brings gratitude. Volunteer or visit someone you know is alone. If you attend a gathering, offer to help out in the kitchen or clean up after the meal.
- Avoid triggers – The holidays are stressful for everyone, and emotional triggers are the most significant. Saying yes when you should say no can put you in a compromising position. If you feel you cannot say no, be prepared with extra supports.
- Practice self-care – Be sure you are tending to your physical, mental, and spiritual needs. Feeling physically and emotionally strong will help keep you centered.
The holidays place a lot of demands on our time. While you might feel tempted to skip a 12-step meeting or counseling session, the best thing you can do is maintain your recovery routine. Especially if you are new to recovery, you might want to build in extra supports.
Next Wind Recovery Supports Sober Living
If you are struggling with opioid or alcohol addiction, Next Wind Recovery can help. We focus on helping our clients make lasting changes that support lifelong recovery. We teach sober techniques that help you maintain your sobriety throughout the holidays and beyond. In our state-of-the-art facility, we offer an array of high-quality outpatient treatment options, including:
- Outpatient detox
- Partial hospitalization program (PHP)
- Intensive outpatient program (IOP)
- Medication-assisted treatment
- Treatment for co-occurring disorders
Our extensive aftercare program can provide the extra support that may be necessary to maintain your sobriety this holiday season.
Get Your Alcohol Addiction Under Control at Next Wind Recovery
Completing treatment for alcohol addiction marks the beginning of a lifelong journey of recovery. Finding support and resources to maintain your sobriety is essential to keeping your sobriety long term. The holiday season can be stressful and full of triggers, especially when you are new to recovery. Next Wind Recovery offers the extra support to help you get through challenging times. Contact us today at 201.331.6569 to learn more about our programs.