How to Stay Sober During the Holidays

Why Is It Important To Stay Sober During the Holidays?

Although the holidays are a time of the year that can provide friends and family with a unique opportunity to get together, individuals who have struggled with substance abuse may also struggle with how to stay sober during the holidays. Overall, there are many reasons why it’s important to stay sober during the holidays including: 

• Maintaining relationships with your friends and family members
  Sadly, your relationship with your friends and family members may suffer as a result of your substance abuse. If you don’t maintain your sobriety during the holidays, you may find yourself in a position of falling back into a lack of relationship with them.
  
• An impact on your health
  Substance abuse is something that can impact your health both physically and psychologically. In order to keep your balance both emotionally and physically, it’s important that you avoid relapsing at all costs so that you can continue to maintain your health.
  
• A risk to your job There are many people who understandably find their own sober identity in their job. However, if you are unable to stay sober during the holidays, you could find yourself in a position of losing your job. This could cause you significant financial stress and drive you further into your addiction.

The holidays are right around the corner. Learn how to stay sober in our latest blog post!https://t.co/ujRY49G4Wd#sobriety #addiction #alcoholism

— Resurgence Behavioral Health (@RBHRecovery) November 18, 2022

Tips for Staying Sober During the Holidays

Thankfully, there are several steps that you can take when it comes to how to stay sober during the holidays. If you find yourself struggling or worried about the upcoming holidays, here are some recommendations as to steps you can take: 

• Have a plan in place
  Although you may have the best intentions when it comes to staying sober, it’s important that you have an escape plan in place so that you can quickly and easily remove yourself from any uncomfortable or awkward situations. Whether this means that you have an excuse to immediately leave if needed or you give an alert to other individuals at the get-together that this could be a possibility, having a plan in place is something that can give you the comfort and peace of mind of knowing that you have options when it comes to leaving an uncomfortable situation.
  
• Set aside time to attend meetings 

Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous meetings can be helpful for any person who wants to maintain their sobriety. One of the great things about these meetings is the fact that they are offered almost around the clock, regardless of what day it is. In fact, in many areas, you may find that there are more meetings available around the holiday time. Regardless of whether you opt to attend these meetings before or after an event, or you opt to go in person or attend virtually, you will come to find that going to these meetings can provide you with the support and understanding that you need if you find your sobriety in jeopardy. 

• Go to events with a sober friend or family member
  It may be uncomfortable to attend events when you know that there is a possibility that there may be alcohol present. If you know that this is a possibility, then the best thing that you can do is to invite a sober friend or family member to come to these events with you. This can help you to remain focused on the goals that you have when it comes to maintaining your sobriety.
  
• Opt to throw your own party
  If you decide to throw your own party, you can be selective in who you invite to it. You can invite friends and family members who are aware of your situation when it comes to your sobriety and who understand that drinking or using any type of drugs is something that would be strictly forbidden.
  
• Skip parties altogether
  If a person is in the early stages of their recovery, then it may be better for you to skip holiday parties altogether. This is particularly true if the individuals at any type of get-together don’t understand that you are working through a treatment program or they don’t support it. You should always surround yourself with caring and supportive individuals and if you aren’t in a position to do that at this time, then opting to skip any type of holiday party is in your best interest. 

Steps You Should Take if You Relapse During the Holidays

Unfortunately, there are countless people who relapse during the holidays every year. It’s important to remember that if you do relapse, there are many steps that you can take to regain your sobriety such as:

• Reach out to a treatment center that offers detox  Typically, when a person experiences a relapse, they are in a position where their addiction is worse than their original addiction. Therefore, the healthiest thing that you can do is commit to a detox program so that you can remove the influence of your substance of choice in a safe and effective way. If you opt to work with Resurgence, you can rest assured that our team will move quickly to get you the immediate help that you need. 

• Commit to a treatment program
  Even though you may have gone through a treatment program in the past, if you find that you have relapsed, it may be worth it to recommit yourself to a treatment program again. At Resurgence, we provide our clients with the personalized care and attention that they need when it comes to their recovery. For example, you will have the opportunity to work through an inpatient or an outpatient treatment program. An inpatient treatment program gives you the opportunity to live at our treatment facility and remain under the care of our team. However, if you have work or school responsibilities, then you may be more well suited for an outpatient treatment program such as an intensive outpatient or a partial hospitalization program.
  
• Open yourself up to therapy
  Therapy is something that can be uncomfortable and awkward for any person. As a result, they may shut down in a sense when they are faced with these feelings of discomfort. However, if you have relapsed, it’s important that you focus on working through a program and being open and honest during your time in treatment. The types of therapy that we offer at Resurgence include group therapy, individual therapy, family therapy, and behavioral therapy. The unique details of each form of therapy are something that our treatment team can explain to you in further detail when you reach out to us. 

Let Resurgence Help You Regain Your Sobriety

If you find yourself struggling with your sobriety or you would like to learn more about how to stay sober during holidays, the team at Resurgence can help you through this process. We understand that establishing and maintaining your sobriety is something that can be challenging. Therefore, one of the best things that you can do is ensure that you have a team of addiction experts behind you and help you to guide you in your recovery path. Our team is available around the clock to help you get you started on your recovery journey. Don’t wait another day to get the help and the care that you need. We are here for you and with you.

Josh Chandler
After growing up in Chicago and North Carolina, Josh chose to get help with substance use disorder and mental health in California because of the state's reputation for top-tier treatment. There, he found the treatment he needed to achieve more than five years of recovery. He's been in the drug and alcohol addiction rehab industry for four years and now serves as the Director of Admissions for Resurgence Behavioral Health. Josh remains passionate about the field because he understands that one phone call can alter the course of a person's life.

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