Staying Sober During the Holidays
Between family gatherings, holiday parties, and shopping on top of living life going through recovery, staying sober during the holidays can be a challenging feat. However, it doesn’t have to be. Our Florida counseling professionals share tips on how to stay sober during the holiday season, as well as recognizing holiday triggers.
Tips for Staying Sober During the Holidays
- Plan ahead and be prepared for what any situation can bring.
- Choose which holiday events you attend with your sobriety in mind.
- Plan what you will do and say to implement a quick exit strategy.
- Have a non-alcoholic beverage in your hand when socializing.
- Always put your sobriety first.
- Recognize your triggers and know how to fight them.
- Spend time with people who support your sober lifestyle and your continuing recovery.
- Avoid being hungry, angry, lonely, and/or tired before parties and social hours.
- Continue to think everything through and think about how your decisions will affect you the next day.
- Absolutely do not drink and do not use controlled substances, regardless of what the situation calls for.
Substance Abuse and Holiday Stress
Although the holidays can be stressful and potentially dangerous for those who suffer from mental health issues, substance abuse doesn’t have to be the answer. Recognizing holiday triggers and learning how to fight and avoid them are crucial in the process of staying sober during the holidays.
If you are feeling stress, fatigue, financial burdens, or any other holiday triggers, remember to never succumb to the pressures during this season. Continue to practice self-care and how far you’ve come since being sober.
Our professionals at Counseling of Southwest Florida provide mental health services that can help you stay sober during the holidays. Contact us today if you or someone you love is in need of reputable Florida counseling.
Casey is the founder and CEO of Portner Counseling Group (PCG), a counseling center in the Fort Lauderdale area, which specializes with issues related to drug and alcohol use. Casey has completed focused course work on the physiological aspects of drug addiction and human psychology, as well as received extensive training on the treatment of co-occurring disorders.