As the holidays approach, you may be wondering how to survive the next few weeks without drinking. After all, the season can create a lot of stress and temptations that trigger a relapse. However, getting through the holidays is possible with a little preparation and strategy. Learning to manage stressors and triggers takes constant work but is worth it to continue recovery. Finding a few tips for a sober holiday season can be the push you need to continue your recovery.
At The Right Step Hill Country, you can learn to manage your triggers and continue enjoying the benefits of sobriety. After completing one of our San Antonio substance abuse treatment programs, our compassionate staff will continue supporting your recovery through our aftercare program. Get on the right track today and take the right step toward a better future—call 1.844.675.1628 or contact us online to get started.
Know Your Triggers
Some of the most common relapse triggers during the holidays include emotional distress, peer pressure, cravings, finances, and family. Remember, that triggers are not always external. Sometimes they can come from within anger, stress, depression, or impulses. It is important to know what your triggers are so that you can counter them.
Create a Support System
When recovering from addiction, it is important to have a list of you can reach out to when you are tempted to drink. If you have recently completed treatment, many rehab centers will help you create a rehab aftercare plan to help identify those people who can help you. This may include your therapist, a support group, mentor, minister, friends, or family. These are the people who can help you celebrate sober holidays. Put their numbers or address on your phone and call them as needed.
Provide Your Own Transportation
One of the most overlooked tips for a sober holiday season is making your own transportation arrangements. Are you riding with someone else to that holiday event? What happens if alcohol is in the room, and you have nowhere to escape? For this reason, you should never leave your fate in someone’s hands. Instead, take control of every situation by providing your own transportation.
Say “No” This Year
Just because you stopped drinking doesn’t mean that everyone around you will abstain when you are in the room. Alcohol may still be present at some events. As a result, you may need to say no to the company party, community event, or family gathering. Others may not understand why you didn’t show up or even be offended that you weren’t there. However, your sobriety is your priority. You and others are better off if you are not tempted to drink.
Attend a Support Group Meeting
Whether you stay home or travel, there is always a local support group meeting. A support group can help you celebrate sober holidays. They provide motivation and accountability. So, if you are tempted to drink or even feeling stressed out, go to a meeting and get some encouragement from others.
Stay Mentally and Physically Healthy
One of the best ways to celebrate sober holidays is to stay fit throughout the season. Sure, you might have a bit too much food. However, you can make efforts to stick to your fitness plan, eat nutritious, well-balanced meals, and continue your meditation. Staying mentally and physically fit can keep you motivated to keep going.
Enjoy Sober Holidays with Right Step Hill Country
Right Step Hill Country offers comprehensive treatment for alcohol and drug addiction. We provide both evidence-based and holistic treatment at our addiction treatment center. In our substance abuse treatment programs, you can heal with:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) – CBT helps you identify and address problems in your life by changing how you think.
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) – DBT equips you with the skills you need to deal more effectively with difficult emotions.
- Trauma therapy – Trauma therapy helps you to confront, process, and heal from difficult past experiences.
- Family therapy – Family therapy helps you to rebuild relationships, gain understanding, and create a support system.
- Aftercare planning – Aftercare helps you to stay sober after treatment.
To find out more about how to get started with recovery, call us at 1.844.675.1628 or contact us online. We can even help you understand how to implement these tips for a sober holiday season.