Make a plan now for how you will deal with these events; maybe you’ll go to some extra meetings before you travel, and plan to call your sponsor or a fellowship friend if anything does happen. Or maybe you’ll investigate online meetings now, sober holidays before anything happens, so you can go to a meeting at a moment’s notice. Remember, it’s okay to retreat to an earlier Recovery Zone for a few weeks. For those in early recovery, life is planned around maintaining freedom from addiction.

• Heading into the New Year can also be a time of reflection and even sadness about which direction life is going and which milestones a person believes they should have already reached.
• For example, if you want to entertain, consider a potluck meal.
• As we learn during addiction rehab and in the meeting rooms, recovery is a one-day-at-a-time endeavor, no matter the season.
• It can also be stressful and carry a lot of social pressure.
• Put your foot down regarding things you don’t want to do but be nice about.
• Everyone is running on empty, and the annual fight is just waiting to happen.
• In June, the New York Times reported that a poll of more than 20,000 Americans found that nearly a third planned an alcohol-free trip after the pandemic.

Most importantly, avoid accusatory or judgemental language. Letting your family know how much you appreciate their support can be fulfilling and encouraging. When you take the opportunity to connect with others—to see, value and honor their experience—you exercise empathy. You exist outside of yourself, and you begin to notice all the blessings your life already contains. And it doesn’t get more human, or more recovery, than that. Easter will find the singer giving a benefit concert at the Beacon Theatre in Hopewell, Virginia that will be livestreamed for free on his social channels on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, X and TikTok.

What Are Signs Of Addiction Relapse?

Our telehealth program gives you access to expert medical support, online coaching meetings, anti-craving medications, virtual support groups, and more—all from an app on your smartphone. Navigating the holiday season while in recovery can be a challenging yet rewarding experience. Here are effective strategies to help you stay sober during the holidays, allowing you to embrace the joy and connection of this season without sacrificing any of its special qualities. Whether you are going with friends or family, it will be easier if everyone knows that you are planning this as a sober holiday. You can reassure them that you are not planning to ruin their boozy fun, but that if any of them want to join you on a few mini-adventures on the trip, then you are up for leading the charge. There is no rule that says that you have to stick as a group throughout the holiday.

For example, if you want to entertain, consider a potluck meal. You can ask others to bring everything from appetizers to non-alcoholic drinks to paper goods. Drinking triggers are unique to each individual and it can be hard to resist the urge to partake when they crop up. One thing that helps is thinking about the challenges of past holiday events so you can avoid the same pitfalls. If you are committed to sober holidays one of the best ways to minimize stress in the moment is to practice your response ahead of time. Pressure to drink (real or perceived) can make some gatherings feel uncomfortable and downright stressful.

Establish a Strong Network of Support

You are free to skip a year and focus on yourself, specifically on your health and well-being. The best way to manage triggers is to avoid them altogether, especially early in recovery. Keep building on your recovery foundation and reevaluate the party invites next year. “Attend gatherings with a friend who’s also sober or understands your journey,” Sultan said. Though sobriety is on the rise among Gen Zers, the holidays can be a minefield of temptation, especially when it seems like everyone around you is drinking.

• You can ask others to bring everything from appetizers to non-alcoholic drinks to paper goods.
• You are free to skip a year and focus on yourself, specifically on your health and well-being.
• By planning ahead, identifying potential triggers, and engaging in activities that bring you genuine joy, you can reinforce your commitment to staying sober and make the most out of the holiday season.
• Letting your family know how much you appreciate their support can be fulfilling and encouraging.
• Looking for new things to serve or drink over the holidays?
• Whether it’s frying up latkes for Hanukkah, or crafting Christmas ornaments around the fireplace, there are many holiday traditions that don’t require a buzz.