Staying Sober During the Holiday Season

The holiday season can be challenging for those who struggle with addiction. Our substance use treatment specialists offer advice in this blog post.

Aliya Pasik, PA-C suggests the following, "Make sure to plan in advance if you feel you will be challenged in sobriety. If you find loneliness a trigger, make sure you reach out to others. Share thoughts of sadness with someone you trust. If you plan to attend parties where alcohol will be served, make sure you are well rested to maximize your willpower. It also helps to let the host or hostess know that you are hoping to remain sober so that nobody pressures you to drink. When stress and pressure are mounting, make sure you have time to unwind, and be extra kind to yourself."

David Price, LPC, CAADC says, "Drive your own car in case you want to leave a get together to avoid engaging in high risk behaviors. If you go to a party, take a glass of water. Maintain structure and routine of eating, sleeping, and exercise. Identify what are high risk situations such as people or places. If you do relapse, contact a support person, sponsor, or attend a support group meeting. Identify your relapse prevention plan, such as support, meetings, faith, exercise, outlets, and self-compassion."

Judy Redmond, LPC, LLP, CAADC states, "Be mindful of self care and pay special attention to getting adequate sleep and good nutrition, and hydration. Increase your attendance at AA meetings and meet regularly with your RCBM clinicians."

Julie Staples, MA, LPC NCC offers, "Focus on what is working and what you are grateful for. Work your relapse prevention plan, and if you do not have one make one. Keep it simple. If you have to attend holiday parties go early and leave early, stick to your plan. Have a sober buddy go with you. Check in with your intentions, be honest with yourself. Check your unreasonable expectations of the holidays. Be mindful of your triggers and know that the signs of relapse happen before you actually use. The reoccurrence of symptoms can become debilitating quickly even if you do not use. Know that urges will ease, use mindfulness techniques especially if grief and trauma are associated with the holiday season."

Other tips include:

Be mindful of extremes and HALT: