Author: Gary Jackson

Why Are the Holidays So Hard for Those in Recovery?

To deal with stress, some try to limit time at family events. Some plan extra therapy sessions before the holidays to try to smooth things over in advance. Others spend time with their “recovery families” instead, and go to sober events. For example, most cities have holiday recovery-a-thons (24-hour recovery meeting events) for the exact reason that this is such a difficult time for people in recovery. Spending time with family members and friends can make you feel uncomfortable, stressed, and almost on-the-edge.

• Include stress relieving spiritual practices don’t have to take up much time, but can help us remember our humanity and our interconnectedness during what can be a frenzied time.
• You may or may not choose to join family for the holidays depending on your needs in early recovery, and the circumstances of pandemic planning.
• At the time, I didn’t deserve anything except for another sober day.
• Others spend time with their “recovery families” instead, and go to sober events.
• The simple idea of going holiday shopping can be stressful on its own.

First, our content is authored by the experts — our editorial team co-writes our content with mental health professionals at Thriveworks, including therapists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and more. It is most important to find the right balance for your individual needs during the holiday season. The biggest gift that you can give to yourself and your loved ones is that of sobriety. And if you are not in recovery, but you are at an office party and someone declines an offer of an alcoholic beverage, please accept that as the most reasonable choice in the world and move on.

Practical Ways To Support Those in Recovery During the Holidays

As you’re preparing for holiday challenges in early recovery, we hope these tips give you the guidance you need to remain sober. Another aspect of an effective relapse prevention plan for the holidays acknowledges an individual’s engagement in continuing treatment. Individuals in early recovery are likely involved with an intensive treatment program.

• The holidays can magnify feelings of loneliness, strained finances, or difficult family relationships, all of which could lead to feelings of wanting to drink or use drugs.
• Those with SUDs also have a far greater chance, statistically, of having first-degree relatives with addiction issues.
• As you prepare for the upcoming holidays, do it with support and awareness.
• You may have to create boundaries with family or you may find that you are isolated through the holidays which may increase your risk of relapse.

Include stress relieving spiritual practices don’t have to take up much time, but can help us remember our humanity and our interconnectedness during what can be a frenzied time. Even something as simple as practicing kindness fits the spirit of the season while helping you to feel more connected to others. The information on this page is not intended to replace assistance, diagnosis, or treatment from a clinical or medical professional. Readers are urged to seek professional help if they are struggling with a mental health condition or another health concern. We are dedicated to providing you with valuable resources that educate and empower you to live better.

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These data suggest that most people know someone who is abstaining from alcohol and other drugs. In addition, chemical addiction is more prevalent than many may think. Crafting your holiday relapse prevention plan will help you anticipate your every move, so you can stay away from the substances that once caused you irreparable harm. Responses to the holidays are as varied as the number of individuals who experience them. Some face grief and loneliness more acutely this time of year, while others experience more joy and peace. Most individuals will encounter an amalgamation of emotions, including stress, happiness, melancholy, excitement, loneliness, and hope.

There has been an increase in alcohol sales in the U.S. from March to September months of 2020, suggesting more at-home alcohol consumption during the pandemic (Castaldelli-Maia et al., 2021). Thus, this year, in particular, there may be more individuals struggling with alcohol and other drug consumption during the holiday season. Everyone deals with holiday stress, but for people in recovery trying to stay sober, the holiday season places unprecedented challenges.

Reframing Holidays in Early Recovery

In line with this, don’t forget to check in on your brothers and sisters in recovery during the holiday season. It’s easy enough to pick up the phone, and you will find yourself feeling better as well. My first holiday season in recovery was an emotional roller coaster. As those who have struggled with addiction can understand, being around family during the holidays is hard.

Lastly, individuals in recovery must address sober networking opportunities to protect their sobriety throughout the holidays. In addition to support groups, there are likely a plethora of sober holiday events and gatherings taking place in communities across the United States. Consider volunteering or planning and hosting a sober gathering. Social networking during treatment and recovery is valuable because social support helps to prevent relapse. Additionally, social support can help individuals feel less alone in their sobriety journey, especially for those without family support.

While we have grown accustom to the changes that COVID has created in our everyday lives, the call to minimize gatherings over the holidays adds additional stress. You may have to create boundaries with family or you may find that you are isolated through the holidays which may increase your risk of relapse. Thriveworks was established in 2008, with the ultimate goal of helping people live happy and successful lives. In addition to providing exceptional clinical care and customer service, we accomplish our mission by offering important information about mental health and self-improvement. After that talk with my friend, my view shifted completely. I didn’t have an incredible holiday season but you know what?

• Furthermore, there is an estimated 1,438,253 people in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA; a support group for those who desire to stop drinking) in the United States (AA, General Service Office, 2020).
• After individuals spend some time identifying potential relapse triggers, they must also identify effective ways to manage those triggers.
• This year may lead to a sense of obligation to resume past large holiday traditions, while some may truly prefer to attend smaller, more intimate social events.
• It is about far more than just the absence of drugs or alcohol.
• However, the holiday season can bring about additional stressors and pressures that can make staying sober seem even more daunting.

Doing things like skipping a meal, or not including protein can lower your resilience or the ability for you to handle what life is throwing at you. We also enforce a tiered review process in which at least three individuals — two or more being licensed clinical experts — review, edit, and approve each piece of content before it is published. Finally, we frequently update old content to reflect the most up-to-date information. Shutting down is the worst thing you can do in the face of a problem—whether you’re in addiction recovery or not. I can’t think of a single instance in my life when isolating and pitying myself made anything better.