You are absolutely allowed to bring your spouse/partner if they are not sober. We are not the alcohol police, and have not yet had an instance where someone’s drinking caused sober holidays a problem for the group. They may misunderstand you or forget that you don’t intend to drink alcohol. If you do accidentally take a sip of an alcoholic beverage, don’t panic.
However, it’s important to note that the offer is subject to availability. Nonalcoholic beverages can be triggering for some, so your mileage may vary, but for me they were incredibly helpful. Some nonalcoholic beers made me check the label twice because they were that close to the alcoholic versions. I spent the first day of 2017 horribly hungover and never had another drink. Six years later, I’m going into this year’s holiday season booze-free.
Write your own Christmas story
Stress management can encompass various techniques, including deep breathing exercises, meditation, mindfulness practices, and regular exercise. Don’t hesitate https://ecosoberhouse.com/ to seek support from friends, family, or professionals if needed. Even with the best intentions, you may find yourself in situations where alcohol is present.
- Additionally, there has also been an abrupt increase in mental health issues and other life stressors that could lead some to self-medicate.
- Start planning your strategy now, with these #soberholidays tips from The Recovery Book and the workbook companion My Life in Recovery.
- At some point between the birth of my youngest child and his second birthday, my wine drinking ramped up.
- Whether you are going with friends or family, it will be easier if everyone knows that you are planning this as a sober holiday.
Those showing up to social events sober can unintentionally hold a mirror up to those around them and lead to resistance and judgment. Heading into the New Year can also be a time of reflection and even sadness about which direction life is going and which milestones a person believes they should have already reached. For people living in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction, staying sober during the holidays can sometimes feel challenging. Following a few best practices can help you manage your sobriety successfully during the holidays and start the New Year even stronger in your recovery. Sober Holidays Tip #8 Do a Recovery Zone ReCheck before the holidays get started.
Connect With A Mentor Before The Holidays
Volunteering at a local charity can also be a gratifying way to give back during the holiday season. Many communities offer sober-friendly holiday events that cater to individuals in recovery. Seek out local gatherings like tree lighting ceremonies, craft fairs, or holiday concerts that prioritize alcohol-free fun and camaraderie.
Your abstinence did not, in fact, teach you how to control your drinking, because abstinence didn’t rewire your brain to be non-addicted. Instead, talk it out with your sponsor or sober friends. A mistake is not a relapse, and it’s not going to land you in rehab, but those secrets might.
Plan your sober holidays
Or send your tips to us at (we’re happy to credit you or post them anonymously). If you or someone you care about is struggling with substance abuse, don’t wait to get help – hope and healing are available at Valley Hope 24/7. This helpline is a free resource at no cost to the caller. We are here to provide assistance in locating an Ark Behavioral Health treatment center that may meet your treatment needs.
Sober October: Two zero-proof fall drink recipes for the holidays – WBRC
Sober October: Two zero-proof fall drink recipes for the holidays.
Posted: Tue, 24 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Think about the events coming up in the next few weeks. What situations could possibly set you on the road toward relapse? Make a plan now for how you will deal with these events; maybe you’ll go to some extra meetings before you travel, and plan to call your sponsor or a fellowship friend if anything does happen. Or maybe you’ll investigate online meetings now, before anything happens, so you can go to a meeting at a moment’s notice. Remember, it’s okay to retreat to an earlier Recovery Zone for a few weeks. The pandemic has added another layer of challenges during the holiday season this year.