First Sober Holiday? Ten Questions To Ask Beforehand Sanford House

It can be difficult to spend time with family or friends when you can’t celebrate in the same ways, so it’s important to take the time to find people you can support. While you’re seeking people who can help you combat your own struggles, be the support system for someone else who has a different problem. Fill your time with positive moments instead of sitting at home, worrying about the next holiday social. If you happen to be a part of a support system, you can utilize that as an opportunity to enhance staying sober during the holidays. Recovery during the holidays begins with you.

Just tell someone you trust that you have stopped drinking, and let them know you would appreciate their support at any parties you both attend. This way, if you do pick up a drink, there is another person holding sober holidays you accountable for your actions. This can be especially valuable during early sobriety, when you’re still feeling tempted to drink. “A lot of people have made positive lifestyle changes,” Burnison says.

Tips on Staying Sober During the Holidays

You could eat a nice meal, get a massage, spend time with someone you love, or find another small way to reward yourself for staying sober during the holidays. This may seem obvious, but how often do we default to the bar or the happy hour? Be proactive in making plans for your friends and family that don’t involve drinking. Think outside the box — maybe it’s an art class or ice skating. Ask yourself what you enjoyed when you were a kid or if there is a hobby you’ve always wanted to learn. Holidays are different now and yes, they are better. Now I see the holidays through my kids’ eyes and remind myself what Christmas was like as a child.

This can lead to feelings of shame, guilt, humiliation, embarrassment, anger and depression. The holidays don’t have to be “perfect” and just like previous years. Saying yes when you should say no can leave you feeling resentful and overwhelmed. Saying “no” is perfectly acceptable and it will protect you. Wouldn’t it be great if everyone you knew and loved was sober this holiday? If you are committed to sobriety, and you do not feel you can be around temptation, ask your friends and family to respect your decision to change your life. Ideally, the home you live in will provide encouragement.

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Now, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some meetings may only be on Zoom. This offers some convenience because people can attend meetings from their home, while others prefer being in person because they feel more connected. It is important to check whether the meeting you want https://ecosoberhouse.com/ to attend is online or in-person before attending. When you find yourself looking to Norman Rockwell’s image of the American family holiday, remember that even Rockwell didn’t match the scene. Instead, take an honest look at what you value most for your family’s season.

Find purpose in helping the people around you. For example, email, text, or call to check on your friends, family members and neighbors — especially those who are elderly. If you know someone who can’t leave the house, ask if there’s anything you can help with, such as groceries or a prescription pickup. If things become uncomfortable, or you feel your sobriety is in jeopardy, an escape plan might be necessary. Rather than trying to come up with something to say to the host at the spur of the moment, plan your goodbye before you arrive. You don’t have to use it, but it’s there if you need it. It’s the most wonderful time of the year, right?