Some of the biggest triggers for people in recovery are emotional. Whether you are in recovery or not, the holidays are one of the more stressful times of the year.
Create New Traditions
The holidays are a time when people tend to overindulge in everything from food to drinking. These overindulgences, over time, become part of traditions. You may have an uncle who always makes the eggnog every year or a drinking game the family plays to loosen up. These don’t have to be part of your sobriety. Instead, create new traditions. Celebrate the fact that you are sober and are creating a new life for yourself. This may mean having a sober Christmas party with other friends in recovery or having a dinner with sober friends. No matter whether it’s a dinner or game night, it is a great way to start a new sober tradition to help you stay on your path to recovery.
Avoid Triggers
Some of the biggest triggers for people in recovery are emotional. Whether you are in recovery or not, the holidays are one of the more stressful times of the year. With all the shopping, dinners, parties and family obligations, it can get to be a bit much. Understand you don’t have to please everyone. Often, people feel shame or guilt if they can’t do everything everyone is asking them to do. It is OK to not reach these expectations. Know your limits and know when to say no. Keep your mental and emotional well-being in mind during this time of year. It will go a long way in helping you from being emotionally triggered.
Make Your Sobriety a Top Priority
All parties and events are optional when you think about it. If you begin feeling overwhelmed with all the invitations and obligations, take a step back. Take time for yourself. Do something you like to do away from the mayhem of the holidays. Take a walk, attend a meeting, spend some time with friends, go on a lunch date. No matter what it is, just make sure it is something you enjoy and helps ease any anxiety you may be feeling.
Use Props
When going to Christmas parties, everyone seems to have a drink in their hand. One way to avoid people pressuring you to drink or having to decline a drink and then answer questions about why you aren’t drinking, grab a cup and put in your sober drink of choice as soon as you arrive. Having something in your hand will deter people from asking if you need a drink.
Know Your Limits Around Relatives
Every family has that relative that speaks out of turn, and this can often be triggering. You may also have an family member who likes to make people drink during Christmas parties. You may also have strained family relationships because of your addiction. Know your limits when it comes to family. Yes, you love them, but they can also be a lot to deal with. Understand it is OK to take a breather occasionally. If you need to go outside and get some fresh air, then do it. Take a walk after dinner to give yourself a break. If it ends up being too much, don’t be afraid to politely exit the party and go home. Your sobriety is your key priority so make it so during this time of year.
Focus on Serving Others
When you focus on others, you will find more happiness and gratitude. Look for different ways you can serve others during the holidays. Make a family recipe for dinner one night, donate your time at a shelter or toy drive, spend time with someone who is going through some struggles. By serving others, you are also serving yourself, because you are building up your own well-being. Serving others is also one of the many benefits of being sober because you are no longer focused only on yourself as you were amid your addiction.
The holiday season is often tough to get through and for people in recovery it is often even more difficult. Understanding your limits and trigger points will help you stay on your sober path during this time of year. Remember: your sobriety is the most important thing, and you don’t want to put that in jeopardy. FBN
By Roy DuPrez
Roy DuPrez, M.Ed., is the CEO and founder of Back2Basics Outdoor Adventure Recovery in Flagstaff. DuPrez received his B.S. and M.Ed. from Northern Arizona University. Back2Basics helps young men, ages 18 to 35, recover from addiction to drugs and alcohol.
Back2Basics is an adventure recovery program, up to six months, for young adult males ages 18-30 with substance abuse issues looking for a positive and meaningful life. In our program, clients are exposed to a weekly combination of both wilderness adventures and residential programming. For more information, visit back2basicsoutdooradventures.com, call 928-814-2220 or email rduprez@b2badventures.com.
