How to Stay Sober over the Holidays as a Recovering Alcoholic

If you’ve recently transitioned into a sober lifestyle, the holiday season can bring upon certain anxieties. It is normal to feel nervous or pressured when around substances, but it is important to remember to say strong and know that there are people and resources around who can help you. Below are a few different ways to help you on your road to recovery.

Plan ahead 

If you know a big holiday party is coming up, make sure to plan how you will attend. Potential options include being the sober driver, bringing a sober companion, paying close attention to relapse triggers.

Surround yourself with the right people

At any event, there will be people who bring out the best in you and people who can bring upon stress, anxieties, or other emotions that can lead to you taking a drink. Be sure to hang around the people who are aware of your recovery and those who will help you stay on track.

Improving your self-care

Be sure to keep yourself healthy during the holiday season so that you can keep any potential relapse opportunities away. Doing things like taking proper nutritional steps, exercising, and getting on a better sleeping schedule can help you in your battle against substance abuse. Other forms of self-care are meditation, self-reflection, and spending time with those you love. Doing things like this can go a long way in improving your overall health.

New traditions

As you work on your new, healthier self, it can be a good idea to create new holiday traditions that involve helping others with the same issues that have haunted you in the past. New traditions can involve hosting your own sober party, hanging out with other sober friends, or volunteering at a rehab center.

Make sobriety your highest priority

While attending a holiday party is perfectly feasible, it is important to straighten your priorities and put certain things in front of others. If you’ve battled an alcohol addiction or an addiction to any other substance, you probably feel that maintaining your new lifestyle is one of the most important, if not the most important, aspect of your life. Ultimately, any party or event is optional, and if you really feel that going will bring out your old self, consider staying home. You’ll feel much better about yourself and your recovery the next day.

Get the tools you need to stay sober this holiday season

If you need a helping hand, Chicago’s sober living community, Stairway to Freedom, can provide the support you need. Contact us today to learn more about how we help recovering addicts stay clean after rehab.