Whether you’re gathering with family for winter holidays, ringing in the new year, or enjoying another joyous event, there are many ways to maintain your sobriety. By staying mindful of your relapse triggers and approaching each situation on your terms, you’ll have fun and honor your wellness at the same time. Here are some of our top suggestions.
10 Tips for Celebrating and Not Drinking
As part of Great Oaks’ continuing care program, we work through various aspects of your recovery that allow you to learn what’s at the core of your alcohol use disorder. Understanding the reasons and addressing them head-on is how you build a healthier life, regardless of the circumstances.
Nevertheless, it’s important to recognize that during celebrations, people are often eating, drinking, and doing other things out of their usual routine and daily habits—which might prompt you to do the same. We hope the following tips help you honor sobriety while still enjoying the festivities.
- Plan Ahead
- Why it’s important. Regardless of how traditional an occasion is, there’s still an element of unpredictability at holiday events and other celebrations. Preparing in advance can reduce anxiety and help you stay committed to your recovery.
- How to do it. Before attending something, identify emotional and mental stress triggers (like certain people, places, or situations) and come up with strategies to handle them. Decide ahead of time how long you’ll stay, and don’t be afraid to leave early if you feel uncomfortable. You can also coordinate with a friend or sponsor to check in during the event.
- Prepare Responses
- Why it’s important. Social pressure or questions about not drinking can be uncomfortable. Having a prepared response can help you stay confident and avoid awkward moments.
- How to do it: Navigate social situations with ease by practicing polite but firm responses, such as:
- “No, thanks. I’m sticking with something non-alcoholic tonight.”
- “I don’t drink, but thanks for asking!”
- If you prefer to keep it private, you can use humor: “I’m the designated taste-tester for the desserts this year!”
- Bring Your Own Non-Alcoholic Drink
- Why it’s important. Having a drink in your hand helps you avoid feeling left out or being repeatedly offered alcohol.
- How to do it. Bring a bottle of sparkling cider, flavored water, or a favorite mocktail recipe to share with others. Get creative with festive options like cranberry spritzers, non-alcoholic eggnog, or hot apple cider. By planning your drinks, you stay in control and still get to enjoy the festive vibe.
- Attend Sobriety-Friendly Events
- Why it’s important. Being in a safe, sober environment allows you to enjoy celebrations without stress or temptation.
- How to do it. Many 12-Step recovery groups and others like SMART Recovery host holiday events, sober dances, or marathon meetings. Check their schedules or online forums for events in your area. These gatherings not only help you stay sober but also provide a sense of community and support.
- Rely on Your Support System
- Why it’s important. Having people who understand your journey provides encouragement and accountability during potentially challenging moments.
- How to do it. Stay in touch with your sober support network through phone calls, texts, or in-person meetings. Additionally, if you have a sponsor or mentor, share your holiday plans and talk through any concerns beforehand.
- Set Boundaries
- Why it’s important. Protecting your recovery means prioritizing your needs, even if it means saying no to certain traditions or events.
- How to do it. Politely decline invitations to gatherings that feel unsafe or triggering. For example, you might say, “Thanks for the invite, but I’m celebrating differently this year.” Set clear boundaries with loved ones about avoiding pressure to drink, and don’t feel guilty for putting your well-being first.
- Focus on Activities
- Why it’s important. Staying engaged in fun, meaningful activities—or even creating new sober traditions—minimizes alcohol-related temptations and builds new, positive traditions.
- How to do it. Host or attend events centered around activities like cookie decorating, holiday movie marathons, or crafting. Look for community events such as tree-lighting ceremonies, caroling, or volunteering at a food bank. Focusing on the holiday spirit and giving back can add joy to your celebrations.
- Surround Yourself with Supportive People
- Why it’s important. The people around you significantly impact your mood and decisions during the holidays.
- How to do it. Spend time with loved ones who respect and support your recovery. If certain family members or friends tend to drink heavily, consider celebrating separately or organizing smaller, sober-friendly get-togethers. Choose quality over quantity when it comes to socializing.
- Celebrate Milestones
- Why it’s important. The holidays are a perfect time to reflect on how far you’ve come in your recovery journey and to find gratitude in your progress.
- How to do it. Create a new tradition to honor your sobriety, such as journaling about your achievements, lighting a candle for each year/month of sobriety, or treating yourself to a special gift. Sharing your milestones with supportive friends or groups can also inspire others and reinforce your commitment.
- Practice Self-Care
- Why it’s important. The holiday season can be hectic and emotionally charged, making it essential to maintain balance and well-being.
- How to do it. Prioritize restful sleep, healthy meals, and regular exercise to keep your energy up and stress levels down. Set aside quiet moments for reflection, meditation, or gratitude journaling. If you start to feel overwhelmed, take a break to regroup and recharge.
Find Whole-Person Care at Great Oaks
By focusing on creating positive experiences, honoring your recovery, and surrounding yourself with supportive people and environments, you can enjoy the celebrations without alcohol. As an addiction rehabilitation and dual diagnosis treatment center, Great Oaks Recovery Center outside of Houston, Texas, offers a full spectrum of evidence-based practices, holistic therapies, and lifestyle modifications like the suggestions above to help you design a more full and meaningful sobriety. Ask our admissions team about our philosophy of care.
