November 28, 2022Tyler Collins
Alcohol is a big part of the Thanksgiving celebration for many people. If you’re newly sober, the thought of not being able to drink at all during this holiday can feel daunting. You don’t want to ruin Thanksgiving for your family and friends, but you also don’t want to drink.
Plus, the idea of going through Thanksgiving without any alcohol could make you feel out of place. You may feel like you’re the only one who isn’t drinking and that you’re missing out on all the fun.
But there’s no need to be scared or worried. You CAN get through Thanksgiving without drinking! In this guide, we’ll give you tips and advice on how to have a happy and healthy holiday season while staying sober.
Here are some tips to help newly sober people during Thanksgiving and enjoy the holiday without alcohol.
1. Talk to your family and close friends about your sobriety before the holiday.
If you’re comfortable doing so, let your loved ones know that you’re in recovery and that you won’t be drinking alcohol this Thanksgiving. This way, they can support you and help you stay on track. You may even find that some of them are struggling with addiction themselves and will appreciate your honesty.
By talking to your loved ones in advance, you can avoid awkwardness or tension on the day of Thanksgiving. They’ll know what to expect and can help make sure that there are plenty of non-alcoholic beverages available for you to enjoy.
2. Bring your non-alcoholic beverages to the party.
We’ve all been there – everyone is drinking and you’re just standing there without a drink in your hand. It can feel a little uncomfortable and make you out of place. A lot of times, situations like these can be the clincher that forces you to have “just one drink” and before you know it, you’re in a full-blown relapse.
To avoid this scenario, make sure to bring your own non-alcoholic beverages to the event. This way, you’ll have something to drink and won’t feel left out. You can even get creative and make some fun mocktails that everyone will enjoy. It’s always nice to have a variety of options so you don’t get tempted to drink alcohol.
3. Avoid triggering environments.
If being around alcohol is too tempting for you, try to spend time with family and friends in places where there won’t be any booze around. If there is a family gathering, place yourself in areas away from where the alcohol is being served.
It’s also a good idea to avoid any friends or family members who tend to drink heavily. Spending time with them might make you feel more tempted to drink. If you can’t avoid them completely, try to limit the amount of time you spend around them.
You can also organize your sober activities during Thanksgiving. Plan your own sober dinner, go for a trip with a friend, or watch movies together. There are plenty of things you can do to have fun without alcohol.
4. Focus on your gratitude.
The holiday season is all about gratitude, so focus on what you’re thankful for this year. This can help you stay positive and avoid negative thoughts that may lead to relapse.
During these difficult times, it can be easy to forget how much you’ve accomplished in your sobriety. So, take a moment to reflect on all the progress you’ve made and be proud of yourself.
Additionally, helping others is a great way to keep yourself distracted from harmful cravings. Volunteer at a local soup kitchen or visit a nursing home to spread some holiday cheer. By giving back, you’ll be reminded of how fortunate you are and all the wonderful things you have in your life.
5. Keep up with your recovery program.
The holidays are often an excuse to go off track with your usual routine including your sobriety. But it’s important to stay focused on your goals and continue working hard in recovery. This means going to meetings, therapy sessions, and sober activities even when you don’t feel like it.
Stay involved in your 12-step program or sober support group throughout the holiday season. These activities will help keep you focused on your sobriety and provide you with an outlet to express any emotions that come up during this time of year.
Get Help with Addiction Recovery in California
The holidays can be tough for anyone, but they can be especially hard for those in recovery from addiction. If you’re newly sober, it’s important to take extra care of yourself during this time of year. Use these tips to help you navigate Thanksgiving without alcohol and stay on track with your sobriety goals.
If you need help with addiction recovery in California, contact us today. We offer a variety of treatment options that can be customized to meet your needs. Our goal is to help you build a foundation for long-term sobriety so you can enjoy a sober Thanksgiving and many more holidays to come.
