If your goal is to remain sober this Christmas, you aren’t alone. The holidays provide ample opportunities to reflect on past experiences, failures, and traumas that can make people want to drink or use drugs. If you know that using drugs causes problems in your life, using substances during the holidays is likely to lead to even more problems. Contact Crestview Recovery to learn how our dual diagnosis treatment programs can help people manage mental health and substance use concerns by calling 866.262.0531.
Why Is Staying Sober on Christmas So Difficult?
The holiday season can be full of triggers for those who are currently sober. When you go back home, you’re dealing with family members that might have been prior triggers. You’re dealing with an environment that could be triggering. And you’re around alcohol all the time. Holiday celebrations are filled with alcohol, making it difficult for those who have abused substances in the past. And there’s a lot of encouragement to imbibe, even in work-related functions. A few suggestions for staying sober at work-related functions include:
- Be honest about being in recovery
- Avoid situations where people are drinking
- If you have to attend an event for work, bring a sober friend
In addition to triggers and the proliferation of alcohol, the holidays themselves are often stressful. There’s travel involved. There are financial issues. A season that’s meant to celebrate family and friends becomes a minefield of potential stressors. But there are ways to stay safe.
How Can You Stay Sober During Christmas?
Staying sober during Christmas is all about remaining mindful. You need to be aware of your own triggers, and you need to be surrounded by supportive people. Here’s what you can do:
Have an Exit Plan
What happens if you end up in a situation surrounded by alcohol? Well, if you feel that you need to go, you should go. Always have an exit strategy whenever you’re in an area that could make you vulnerable.
Connect with your Sponsor
Contacting your sponsor during the holidays is practically expected. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your support network or to attend extra meetings.
Be Upfront with Friends and Family
Let them know that you’re interested in staying sober this Christmas and that you might need help. With your friends and family looking out for you, your odds will be far better.
Eat Nutrient-Rich, Healthy Foods
During holiday celebrations, alcohol can be anywhere. Be particularly careful with drinks and desserts, as desserts themselves can contain alcohol.
Avoid Settings Where Drugs and Alcohol Will Be Present
If you already know that your family is one of your major triggers, consider taking these holidays off and spending them with friends or other family members. No one should feel obligated to go into a situation that they already know will be harmful to them.
Know your Triggers
Be mindful of your attitude and when you feel like breaking sobriety. If you start doubting whether you’re really interested in staying sober this Christmas, you should take a break. Keeping a journal can make it more obvious when your triggers are getting to you and when you may not be thinking straight.
Be Grateful for Your Sobriety
You may need time alone to really refocus. When a lot of things are going on, it’s difficult to take stock. It can be easy to get swept up in celebrations and potentially “give yourself a break” from sobriety. You need some reflective alone time to ensure that you’re really thinking straight.
Manage Stress Appropriately
Not all stress during the holidays is directly related to drinking. Many people are having other issues: work-related issues, financial issues, or family issues. There’s only so much that a single person can deal with at a time. If your stress levels are rising, take some time to deal with issues individually, or just remove them from your life.
Seek Treatment if You Know You Need it
Everyone is different, but there’s a reason why so many people struggle during the holidays. It’s difficult for everyone. The combination of stress, family, travel, and financial issues often send people towards their previous crutches. It’s important to give yourself the time, space, and resources that you need. Christmas can be a difficult time for just about everyone. Portland drug and alcohol treatment is there if you feel that you need help.
Staying in Recovery Is the Greatest Holiday Gift
If you’re genuinely interested in staying sober this Christmas, you should reach out to your support network now and make a conscientious effort to be mindful of your urges. It may be hard, but it will be worth it. Once the holidays are over, you can continue with your previous sober routine. And if you feel like it’s getting to be too much, don’t forget to consider a treatment center. Contact Crestview Recovery in Portland, Oregon today at 866.262.0531.
Since 2016, Dr. Merle Williamson, a graduate of Oregon Health Sciences University, has been the Medical Director at Crestview Recovery, bringing a rich background in addiction medicine from his time at Hazelden Treatment Center. He oversees outpatient drug and alcohol treatments, providing medical care, setting policies, detox protocols, and quality assurance measures. Before specializing in addiction medicine, he spent 25 years in anesthesiology, serving as Chair of Hospital Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Chief of Anesthesia at Kaiser Permanente. This experience gives him a unique perspective on treating prescription drug addiction.
