The well-known Christmas carol may indicate that it’s the most wonderful time of the year, but for people in recovery from a substance use disorder, the holiday season can be a minefield of relapse triggers. This post highlights several of these triggers and offers tips for keeping your holiday happy and substance-free.
SAD Times
Starting in October and continuing into the spring months, many people struggle with the “winter blues,” otherwise known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). SAD is a specific type of depression that may occur on its own or in conjunction with existing depressive symptoms. The Mayo Clinic lists the following symptoms of SAD:
- Depression most days, for much of each day
- Loss of interest in previously joyful hobbies
- Decreased energy
- Sleep difficulty
- Fluctuations in weight and/or appetite
- Difficulty focusing
Treatment for SAD is similar to treatment for other
One Less Coping Skill
For people who grew up in dysfunctional or abusive
Speaking of Tradition
In some families or social circles,
Lack of Comprehension
Some
Isolation
Some people in recovery try to reduce their risk of
The Recipe for Long-Term Recovery
SMART Recovery indicates that there are three markers of long-term success in sobriety, regardless of what time of year it is:
- The person is committed to their abstinence.
- The person builds their lifestyle around their recovery.
- The person plans for and practices how they will handle temptation.
In addition, people who are committed to sobriety ask themselves three questions before attending a holiday
- What is this event really about? Is it really a festive celebration of the season or just another excuse for participants to get drunk?
- In my stage of recovery, is this the best event for me to attend?
- Why do I want to go?
Navigating the Holidays Sober
The Huffington Post ran an article with specific suggestions for how people can make it through the holiday season without relapsing:
- Be honest with yourself about the risks involved in attending certain events and if you are ready to navigate those risks.
- Bring a friend who is also sober, so that you won’t be the only person who is not drinking.
- Talk to your sponsor about your holiday plans, and listen to the wisdom they are able to share.
Practice saying no. - Keep a drink in your hand that doesn’t contain alcohol. People are less likely to offer you a drink if you are already holding one.
- Have an exit strategy in case the temptation becomes too great.
It’s My Party
If all else fails, you can always host your own event. If the people you normally spend the holiday with aren’t willing to accommodate your recovery needs, then you can start your own tradition and invite people who are interested in celebrating while sober. This could include family and
We Can Help
Remember that relapse is not the end. If you or a loved one find that the holiday season gets the best of you and leads to a slip or a relapse, don’t despair. You have not failed. You have simply discovered that you need to revisit and tweak your recovery plan. Great Oaks Recovery Center can help. Call us to learn more about our nonjudgmental, compassionate care for those who are just beginning recovery or who have experienced a relapse.
If you or someone you love is in need of alcohol or drug treatment, contact our Texas drug and alcohol rehab center anytime at (713) 769-0102. We are here to help.
Source:
psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-high-functioning-alcoholic/200911/the-holidays-survival-guide-sober-alcoholics