girlThe Holiday Season presents us with its own special joys, as well as its own special challenges. Any one of us is familiar with the added demands on our time, attention and resources, as well as our increased familial and social obligations. For those who are in an addiction recovery program or just completed treatment, and who are seeking to safeguard and maintain their hard-won sobriety, the Holidays present extra challenges.

Holiday Challenges

During the Holiday Season, we are surrounded with constant reminders. Holiday commercials, well-wishes, music, decorations, advertisements, invitations, get-togethers, parties, gifts, and obligations can be overwhelming to a newly sober person who has traditionally drank or drugged his or her way through the holidays.

as well as the families or friends of someone who is still struggling with drug or alcohol abuse, there are measures which can be taken ahead of time to help get through this time of year safely, and with a modicum of comfort and peace.

One professional who works in the field of human behavior discussed some practical tips a person could begin using immediately to help in managing the holiday season, and retaining control of their mental health and well-being.

One of her suggestions was to keep in mind where you wanted to be after the holidays. It is an insightful suggestion, and helps keep the holidays in perspective. It is akin to keeping your eye on the mountain you see in the distance; the one you want to get to–and climb it to the top. It is a longer look towards the future and all that it holds.

While keeping your eye on the mountain and the longer-term goal of sobriety it represents to you–one which extends far beyond just this holiday season–let’s take a look at some other things which can be done to safeguard and maintain sobriety over the holidays.

10 Tips for People Facing Recovery

We all know when Thanksgiving Day is, and that Christmas and New Year’s will follow and when that will be. We know from experience how each one is celebrated, and the kinds of activities that will take place. We know from experience it is time when the flow of alcohol and drugs is abundantly available. It is predictable.

Maximize the Predictability

Recognize the predictability of the holidays, and use it to plan, and chart a course of sobriety.

Minimize Stress

You know yourself better than anyone else. You know what stresses you, and what your triggers are. Avoid them, and save yourself unnecessary risk, and unnecessary wear and tear.

Do Something Different

If alcohol and drug-use has been the mainstay of your holiday activities in the past, choose new activities which do not involve drinking and drugging.

Take Care of Yourself

Eat well, get enough sleep, and get some exercise. When you are well-rested and well-fed, it is easier to face the challenges of life, and to maintain a better outlook on your own life.

Spend the Holidays with Others in Recovery

There are others who are in recovery, and who want to make it safely through the holidays while maintaining their sobriety. A good place to start is your local AA (Alcoholics Anonymous). You will find others there who will support you in your goal to remain sober.

Help Others in Recovery

This is the other side of the coin. There will be those at AA or a similar support group of your choosing who will help you; and there will be those who you can help in return.

Decline Risky Invitations

There will be people who do not understand addiction, or addiction recovery. You may receive invitations to attend parties or social situations which put you at risk. Politely decline.

Know your Limits

Again, “to thine own self be true.” Do not push yourself past your own limits, and put yourself in a family or social situation which triggers your desire to use drugs or alcohol.

Be Your Own Best Friend

Oftentimes, we are a good friend to others, but not to ourselves. Treat yourself with the respect and caring that you would show to your best friend.

Remember Your Prayers

When we are caught-up in the day-to-day toils of existence, and the challenges of being in recovery, it becomes too easy to lose sight of the importance of the spiritual aspect of our existence. Even if it is simply to ask for wisdom and strength when you start your day, it is a stabilizing and calming influence, which is freely yours to use.