10 Ways To Stay Sober On The Holidays

10  Tips For Staying Sober On The Holidays

When most people think about the best ways to stay sober, the holiday season can be extremely challenging.  You’ll be surprised to figure out how many people relapse during this time of year. Come to think of it, holiday parties, shopping, past memories, and loneliness, can trigger a downward spiral for anyone going through drug and alcohol recovery.  And the worst part is, the holidays are meant to be spent with family and friends. So, how do you join in on the festivities without risking your clean and sober lifestyle?

Stay Sober For The Holidays

This is where Gatehouse Sober Community comes in.  We have put together 10 of our best tips to help you stay sober for the holidays. You’ll also be glad to know that we are going to break down each tip down so that we can help you stay sober. The way we see it, want to make sure you are living your best sober lifestyle.  With this in mind, we want to give you the best advice on how to stay sober for the holiday.  Trust us. You’re going love how much easier these 10 tips will make your life.

Are you ready? Let’s get started!

1. Choose Your Holiday Parties Wisely:  Christmas and New Years are two of the biggest drinking nights of the year. And just as you might imagine,  most the holiday events that you attend will have alcohol.  And don’t look over the fact that some parties will also have drugs available. So, what does this mean for you?  It’s simple.  Take a few minutes to think about which parties have the best environment for your sobriety. To be perfectly honest,  a sober community holiday party would be a great idea. However, if this option is not available to take a moment to think which party has the least amount of alcohol available.
2. Ask A Sober Friend To Travel With You: One of the best things about holiday events is that there’s always room for a plus.  Which means you should consider inviting your AA Sponsor, a close friend, relative, or even your counselor.  In essence, whoever you decide to bring will stand as your Accountability Partner.  As a further convenience, they will help make your transition into sober living a lot easier.
3. Create A Sober List Of Responses To Help You Say No:  As we all know, saying no is hard. Therefore, we think it’s important everyone participating in sober living to create a list of responses whenever being provided alcohol and drugs.  At the same time, we also think you rehearse your statements. Therefore, whenever someone offers you an alcoholic beverage you can confidently say no.
4. Limit Your Time Around Triggers:  Drug and alcohol triggers can have an immediate effect on someone in recovery.  Addiction triggers such as wine glasses, alcohol beverages,  smells, bars, and even loud music can set off a number of triggers.  Believe it or not,  anything can be a trigger. Therefore, if you go to a  holiday party where you must surround yourself with triggers that threaten your sobriety, you should limit your time there.  If you can attempt to go early and see everyone that you need to see so that you can leave early.
5. Tell Your Friends And Family That You’re Living  A Sober Lifestyle:   A real friend would never put you in harm’s way. Which means, if they really care for you, they will respect your recovery process. While they may not be able to suit all of your needs, they will be mindful of your stage of recovery.
6. Find New Ways To Stay Sober And Celebrate The Holidays: Remember, the holidays are just about partying. If you feel like you need to break away from everything, make a new tradition for the holidays. Perhaps you should consider site seeing around town.  Maybe ice skating is a great idea for your family. Or even better,  you can kick back and relax with the family and watch all of your favorite holidays. If you’re looking for a list of things for recovering addicts to do on the holidays keep reading.
7. Create A Sober  Recovery Map: Don’t go anywhere without looking over your recovery map. Take a moment to think about where you came from, and where you’re going.  Think about all of the things that you appreciate about yourself. And remember that you are amazing.
8. Avoid Being To Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired Before Attending a Social Event: Balance is key.  Never let anyone or anything knock you off your square.  Emotions such as anger, loneliness, or sadness can easily threaten your sobriety. Also, make sure you’re refreshed before you attend an event. In doing so, you will be able to better prevent yourself from accepting any kind of substances.
9. Put Your Sobriety first: Above all things, always remember to protect your sobriety at all cost.  While some people may not understand why you are taking a new path in your life, it’s not meant for them to understand if they don’t get it. Regardless who you’re talking to, don’t let anyone try to talk you out of living a sober lifestyle. Once your friends and family see how much your respect your sobriety, they will grow to respect it as well.
10. Avoid Bars And Night Clubs:  If you want to stay sober, avoid going to bars and nightclubs. Also, remember to avoid old hang out that might make you slip back into old habits.

Stay Sober. Stay Happy! You Have What It Takes To Win

Sounds easy, right? You got this.  Remember, “you are the owner of your might, and you are unique when you know so”. Nothing can get in the way of your sober lifestyle unless you let it.  Don’t let anything stop you from living the life that you’ve always to live.  Take these 10 steps with you everywhere you go this holiday season. Then leave a comment below and let us know how they worked for you.  Also, if you would like to add to this list,  leave a sober lifestyle comment below with all of your favorite tips to stay sober for the holidays.