December 13, 2022Tyler Collins
For many people in addiction recovery, the holiday season is a difficult time. Family gatherings can be triggers for old behaviors, and the pressure to drink or use drugs can be intense. If you’re going to be home alone for Christmas this year, it’s important to have a plan in place to stay sober. Here are some tips to help you avoid relapse.
1. Plan Out Activities for Each Day
If you know you’re going to be solo on Christmas day, make a plan in advance. Decide what you’re going to do with your day and make sure you have all the supplies you need. This could be anything from watching your favorite Christmas movie to cooking yourself a special meal.
The key is to not leave yourself vulnerable to boredom or temptation by having an open day with nothing to do. Create a schedule for yourself and stick to it.
2. Clean Up Your Environment
Take inventory of your surroundings and get rid of anything that might trigger a relapse. This includes things like alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, and even people who might enable your using behavior.
If there’s anything in your environment that makes staying sober more difficult, remove it from your vicinity. Be thorough and make sure you don’t just hide the alcohol in a different part of the house – get rid of it entirely. Instead, stock up on healthy snacks, non-alcoholic drinks, and other things that can help you stay sober.
3. Get Out of the House
Staying cooped up at home all day is a recipe for disaster. Find an outside activity to get you out of the house and away from any potential triggers. Just because you’re not spending Christmas with family or friends doesn’t mean you have to spend it alone.
There are lots of events and activities going on this time of year. Join a holiday party or volunteer at a local soup kitchen. The important thing is to not isolate yourself. Isolation is a trigger for many people in recovery, so make sure you’re staying connected to your support network.
4. Practice Self-Care
The holidays can be a stressful time for anyone, but especially for those in recovery who are trying to avoid triggers and stay sober. This is not the time to neglect your sobriety or your health, so make sure you’re putting yourself first. Pay attention to both your physical and mental well-being.
Get enough sleep, eat nutritious meals, book a spa day, and take some time each day to do something that brings you joy. If you have lots of alone time, perhaps this is the ideal time to finally try out that yoga class or work on a new hobby.
5. Make a List of Things You’re Grateful For
When you’re feeling tempted to drink or use drugs, take a few moments to reflect on all the things you’re grateful for in your life. This will help shift your focus away from your cravings and toward what’s truly important. This will help remind you why you choose sobriety in the first place.
When you start your gratitude journal, the stuff you write doesn’t necessarily need to be groundbreaking. It could be a simple list of things big and small that you’re thankful for. A lot of times, it’s easy to take for granted things like our health, a roof over our head, or even the ability to make choices.
6. Talk to Someone You Trust
This is probably the most important tip on this list. If you’re feeling triggering thoughts or emotions, pick up the phone and call your sponsor right away. They’ve been through this before and they can help talk you through
You might feel uncomfortable doing this, especially during the holidays, but it’s essential that you get help. Take the time to talk through what you’re feeling and be honest about your thoughts and feelings. This will help open up a dialogue that could eventually lead you back to sobriety.
Get Help from the Best Drug Rehab in Southern California
The holiday season can be tough for anyone, but especially for those of us in recovery who are trying to stay sober. Being able to stay sober on Christmas day is no small feat.
By following these tips, this can help you make it through Christmas without relapsing into old habits. Take some time for yourself this holiday season and celebrate your sobriety. With a bit of planning and self-care, you can get through the day without relapsing.
If you’re struggling with substance abuse, we can help you find the best drug rehab program in Southern California. Contact us today and let us help you get started on your journey to recovery.
