The holidays can be a difficult time for someone in recovery. Family gatherings can potentially carry emotional triggers, financial pressures abound, and social obligations can challenge sobriety. With all of this happening at once, it’s easy for old patterns to resurface and mental health and sobriety to be tested.
At Arkview Recovery Center in Mechanicsburg, PA, we’re prepared to help you through the season with holiday mental health tips and the resources you need to enjoy the season.
How to Stay Sober During the Holidays
For those in recovery, staying sober during the holidays can be a significant concern. The first step to successfully maintaining your sobriety means having a solid understanding of holiday triggers.
Understanding Holiday Triggers
The holidays can be stressful for everyone. The expectation to show up to events and spend time with people you don’t normally spend time with can bring feelings of pressure and even resentment. For those in recovery from substance use disorder (SUD), this time of year can be even more daunting. Common triggers include:
- Family gatherings that may bring up past conflicts or emotional wounds
- Financial stress due to gift giving, eating out, or expensive grocery costs
- Social events where alcohol is present and/or pressure to participate in consumption
It’s important to identify personal triggers and be proactive in developing a plan to either avoid or confront them head-on. Creating a plan ahead of time is a wise approach to maintaining control and staying sober.
Tips for Staying Sober During the Holidays
Maintaining sobriety during the holiday season requires preparation and support. Consider these tips as you get ready for gathering with friends and family:
- Set boundaries – Communicate your needs to friends and family. It’s okay to decline invitations or leave early if it helps you to avoid severe emotional triggers and maintain sobriety
- Plan ahead – Have a strategy in place for how to handle high-risk situations, such as parties where alcohol is served. Bring a sober buddy, and always have a tasty non-alcoholic drink in hand so that you don’t feel like you’re depriving yourself. Finding festive non-alcoholic drinks and mocktails is easier than ever before
- Stay connected – Reach out to your support network regularly. This can mean anyone who’s supportive of your sober journey, including friends, family, co-workers, or a recovery group. Sharing your experiences can help you stay motivated
Implementing these tips is a great way to practice self-care and prioritize your own needs during this season. You’ve worked hard to gain sobriety, you’ll be even more proud of yourself for not letting the holiday season derail your progress.
Mental Health Tips for the Holiday Season
Good mental health and sobriety go hand in hand, especially during the holidays. Here are some additional tips that can help you manage your stress level and reduce anxiety:
- Practice mindfulness – Incorporating meditation or deep breathing exercises into your daily routine can help reduce stress
- Prioritize self-care – Make time for activities that promote relaxation and joy, whether that’s reading, exercising, or spending time in nature
- Seek professional support – Don’t hesitate to reach out for professional help if needed. Beginning therapy or increasing how often you see your therapist during this time can be a great reminder of stress management tools.
There’s no reason to have to suffer through what should be a joyous season. Allow Arkview Recovery to help you find the warmth and lightness you deserve during the holidays.
Call Arkview Today for Support Through the Holidays
At Arkview Recovery, we offer a range of services designed to support your mental health and sobriety during the holiday season. Our programs are personalized to meet your individual needs. Providing you with the highest level of support is our priority. From therapy to support groups, our team is dedicated to helping you maintain your progress. Consider us a personal cheer squad in your own neighborhood.
Submit our online form or call 717.744.0756 today for more information on how to get through the holidays one step at a time.
Kyle is Lead Therapist at Arkview Recovery Center. He holds a Master of Social Work degree from Temple University and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. He has years of experience working directly with individuals who suffer from addiction and mental health disorders. Being in long term recovery himself, Kyle is very passionate about the recovery process. He is heavily involved in the local recovery community in which he enjoys his commitments to service and giving back. His specialty is in group therapy and developing clinical staff. Kyle brings to Arkview a holistic approach to recovery, specializing in mindfulness, reality therapy, and solution-focused therapy.
