As much as the end of the year brings people together with Halloween parties in October, Thanksgiving dinner in November, and a plethora of holidays in December such as Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa, it can also be an overwhelming time. This is especially true for those battling a substance use disorder (SUD) or an alcohol use disorder (AUD). Or perhaps an individual in recovery who may get triggered by the festivities. Maintaining sobriety through the holidays may be challenging, but it is possible with effort, focus, and support.

Clayton Center have program offerings in alcohol and substance misuse, as well as co-occurring mental health disorders such as depression. Our inpatient and outpatient care are provided within a supportive and safe environment. If you’re battling a SUD or an AUD, know that help is here for you.

Holiday Pressures and Substance Misuse

The holidays can bring out both the best and worst out of many of us. This applies to anyone, whether you’re struggling with an AUD, SUD, or no disorder at all. It’s important not to criticize yourself for making mistakes and falling short of perfection. If you’re currently sober and intend on remaining that way throughout this holiday season, you may want to make yourself aware of two types of pressure: direct social pressure and indirect social pressure.

Direct social pressure is a scenario that involves an individual offering you an opportunity to drink or simply when an individual directly offers you a drink.

Indirect social pressure is a scenario that involves you being around others consuming alcohol, causing you to feel tempted to drink (although no one has offered you a drink).

To minimize the risk or to avoid relapse altogether, preparation is key.

Sobriety Tips You Should Know

One of the strengths of the staff at The Crane is that they are empathetic to the needs of an individual struggling with drug and/or alcohol misuse. Some of our staff members are successfully in long-term recovery themselves, so they speak to Individuals from experience, empathy, and knowledge as trained addiction recovery empowerment specialists.

9 holiday sobriety tips:

1. Set boundaries with friends and family. Know what you’re willing to be comfortable with and share this with others in order for loved ones to support your sobriety.

2. Practice your plan for refusing drugs and/or alcohol. A prepared mind can respond to situations in healthy and productive ways.

3. Have scripted responses for anticipated scenarios.

4. Plan ahead. Don’t get caught off guard with innocent family members or friends offering you a drink, which may be a temptation for you. Plan your response.

5. Increase self-care.

6. Engage with your recovery community.

7. Remain committed to the routines/rituals that ground you.

8. Create a list of why maintaining your sobriety is important to you.

9. Avoid isolation. Be consistent with accountability to your sponsor and others who you’ve made this commitment with. Attend meetings and pull on the support of others in recovery.

The holidays may feel like the greatest universal paradox. While they’re about quality time with friends and family, other variables like money, gift lists, guest lists, and for some, alcohol and drugs, drown out that quality to the point where good times are watered down to nothing. Sometimes we lose sight of what’s truly important in the first place, but we don’t have to.

There are resources available to help you to achieve long-term sobriety and to live a productive life beyond the holidays, one step at a time. If you’re struggling with an addiction to drugs or alcohol, The Crane is here to help.