November 15, 2022Tyler Collins
For many people, Thanksgiving is a time to relax and enjoy time with family and friends. It’s a time to gather with our loved ones. It’s a day to give thanks for all the good in our lives and to enjoy each other’s company.
But for those in addiction recovery, or struggling with sobriety, the holiday season can be a trigger for relapse. Thanksgiving can be a difficult time because it can be a challenge to maintain sobriety when everyone around you is drinking.
But it doesn’t have to be that way! If you’re dreading the thought of spending Thanksgiving sober, we’re here to help. There are plenty of ways to make the day enjoyable without drinking alcohol so Thanksgiving can be a fun and sober celebration for all. Here are 5 tips for having a sober and fun Thanksgiving.
1. Set up sober activities for the day.
One way to stay sober and make Thanksgiving fun is to set up non-alcoholic activities that everyone can enjoy. This could be anything from playing touch football outside or putting together a puzzle, to watching the Thanksgiving Day Parade on TV.
Having some activities lined up that everyone can enjoy sober can help divert attention away from just sitting and drinking. By having sober activities planned in advance, you can ensure that there’s something for everyone to do – no drinking required!
2. Designate specific sober hours.
Another great way to make Thanksgiving sober and fun is to designate specific sober hours during the day. If you’re going to be around people who will be drinking, set some ground rules ahead of time about when sobriety is expected. For example, you could designate the hours from noon to 4 pm as sober hours.
This way, those who want to drink can do so during certain times, while those who are trying to stay sober can enjoy the company without feeling pressured to drink. This can be a great compromise for families with different levels of sobriety. Everyone can still participate in the festivities without anyone feeling left out or tempted to drink.
3. Bring your own non-alcoholic beverages.
If you’ll be attending a gathering where there will be alcohol served, bring along some non-alcoholic options for yourself. This way you won’t feel left out or like you have to drink just because everyone else is. There are plenty of great non-alcoholic beers, wines, and spirits on the market nowadays, so you’re sure to find something that suits your taste.
Plus, it’s a nice gesture for your host! You can eliminate the worry of what to serve you by bringing your own beverages. This can also help prevent accidental slips, as you won’t be tempted to drink something that’s not yours.
4. Volunteer to help with the cooking.
One of the best parts of Thanksgiving is the food! Offer to help with the cooking so that you can stay busy and distracted from any temptation to drink. This is a smart way to stay involved in the festivities without being around alcohol. Not only will you get a chance to bond with your family or friends, but you’ll also get some delicious food out of it! Who doesn’t love a home-cooked Thanksgiving feast?
If you’re not a fan of cooking, offer to help with setting the table, washing dishes, or anything else that needs to be done. Thanksgiving is all about coming together and helping out, so put your skills to good use.
5. Have an exit strategy
Finally, one of the most important things you can do if you’re attending a booze-filled Thanksgiving gathering is to have an exit strategy planned. If things start getting too overwhelming or triggering, it’s important to know how you’ll leave the situation and get yourself to a safe place.
This could be anything from calling a friend or AA sponsor to leaving early and going for a walk around the block. Whatever it is, make sure you have a plan so you can stay safe and sober this holiday season.
Stay Sober During Thanksgiving – Get Help from Addiction Treatment Center in California
Thanksgiving can be fun without alcohol. By planning ahead and being creative, you can make this holiday enjoyable for everyone involved. Remember that if you start feeling triggered or temptations arise, reach out for support from your network of loved ones and professionals who care about your sobriety.
These people are there to help you through tough times like this, so don’t hesitate to lean on them for assistance. So take a deep breath and remember that you got this – happy Thanksgiving!
