There is little doubt that the holidays can be difficult for anybody. They are often very stressful times of the year. This is also why staying sober during the holidays can be so challenging. The good news is that a healthy recovery can ensure that the desire to drink will be lifted, even during the trying holiday seasons. There are many effective means, methods, and modalities that can help one stay sober over the holidays.
Staying Sober During the Holidays
The reality is that, while for some people the holidays may be their favorite time of the year, for others, it can be the worst. There are many reasons for this, all of which may be unique to the individual. For example, you may have experienced some type of trauma over the holidays, and they now bring up stressful and uncomfortable feelings.
The holidays can also just feel plain overwhelming. This is often especially true of winter holidays like Christmas and Hanukkah. According to the peer-reviewed journal Innovations in Clinical Neuroscience, “In addition to misuse patterns, two studies have examined fatal alcohol poisonings during the Christmas holiday. In a 2002 study from Finland, Poikolainen et al examined all deaths due to alcohol poisoning between the years 1983 and 1999. Among the 6,000-plus deaths, a peak death rate was observed during the Christmas celebration.” Addictive thinking can also make staying sober over the holidays much more difficult.
Getting Past Active Addiction Thinking During the Holidays
It is important to remember that addiction is a disease that ultimately changes the way we behave. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “As a result of scientific research, we know that addiction is a medical disorder that affects the brain and changes behavior. We have identified many of the biological and environmental risk factors and are beginning to search for the genetic variations that contribute to the development and progression of the disorder.” So, with genetic disruption, it should come as no surprise that active addiction thinking remains disruptive even into recovery.
Many people in addiction recovery use the term “cravings.” Cravings are the physical, mental, and emotional feelings that make an individual want to drink and/or use substances. These cravings can often lead to a relapse if not careful, and many people don’t realize just how common relapses can be.
The good news is that there are ways to quell addiction thinking (and cravings) and thus avoid a potential relapse. One of the best ways is to work with others in recovery.
Staying Connected With Others During the Holidays
Working with others, especially during the holiday season, can be critical for recovery. It is a “We” program, not a “Me” program after all. In fact, working with others is so important that they even named a chapter after it in the primary text (also commonly referred to as The Big Book) of 12-Step recovery.
The chapter, aptly titled “Working With Others,” states, “Practical experience shows that nothing will so much ensure immunity from drinking [and using] as intensive work with other [people in recovery]. It works when other activities fail… You can help when no one else can.” Staying connected with others is also done by entering into a sponsor/sponsee relationship.
A sponsor/sponsee relationship is one where a person who has already gotten sober helps a “newcomer” with the process. Often, this involves utilizing the Twelve Steps of 12-Step recovery. A sponsor is great because they are someone who can be relied upon when times get tough. This includes those tough times over the holidays. A sponsee is great because helping someone else is the best way to stay sober yourself. Also, they can help plan sober events and get-togethers.
The Importance of Sober Events During The Holidays
If you are feeling stressed out over the holidays because many people drink around the holidays, one way to avoid this is to join or throw a sober event. A sober event is great because no one has to worry about being tempted by the presence of drugs or alcohol.
Sober events over the holidays are also great because they remind us that we are not alone in our journey of recovery. People can connect over their discomfort surrounding the holidays and thus make new, happy holiday memories together. It is also just important to remember that sobriety is meant to be fun! We didn’t get sober to be miserable. No, we got sober to live our lives to the fullest.
Our Primary Purpose at The Phoenix Recovery Center
Our primary purpose at The Phoenix Recovery Center is to help everyone recover who is willing to put in the work. We support long-term success over short-term “fixes.”
If you are sick and tired of being sick and tired, then the time for recovery is now. You can do this! We can help.
It is important to explore effective strategies for navigating holiday festivities while maintaining sobriety and enjoying the season worry-free. This can ensure that there is the least chance of a potential relapse. It is also very important to stay connected to your recovery plan, especially in early sobriety. If you feel like you or a loved one is struggling with issues of addiction, mental illness, or both, we can help get you on the right road to recovery right away. You don’t have to go through this process alone. To begin your healing journey complete this short form or call The Phoenix Recovery Center at (801) 438-3185.
