“The turnaround can be quite fast. I am truly amazed.” —Mom from Portland, OR
Yet, with intention and support, the season can also be a time of healing and renewal.
A mother of a Back2Basics client recently shared this heartfelt reflection about her son’s progress:
“After my first visit with my son at B2B, I feel like a miracle has occurred. ‘My Grinch heart grew three sizes that day!’
He is three months sober, his anger is gone, and I love to hear him laugh. While recovery will be ongoing—and surely will have bumps—I already feel like I have my son back. I can’t stop the tears of joy.
I keep telling my son how proud I am. And I am so grateful to the talented people at B2B. When our family was in such a desperate place, it’s hard to believe that there is a path to happiness, sobriety and sustained mental health. B2B has the map of how to get there. The turnaround can be quite fast. I am truly amazed.” —Mom from Portland, OR
Parents like her remind us that hope is real – and recovery is possible.
Below are several thoughtful ways families can support a newly sober loved one, including adult children, during the holidays:
Open Communication
Invite honest conversations about how your loved one feels heading into the season. Create space for them to share any anxieties or concerns. A simple “How are you feeling about the holidays?” can go a long way in strengthening trust.
Plan Together
Involve them in planning. Ask which events feel comfortable, which may feel challenging and work together to create a plan that avoids unnecessary pressure.
Set Realistic Expectations
Your loved one may not have the energy – or desire – to attend every gathering. Flexibility is key. Encourage breaks and let them know it’s okay to step back when needed.
Create New Traditions
Consider developing traditions that aren’t centered around alcohol or high-stress environments – volunteering, nature walks, game nights or cooking together. Meaningful experiences don’t require old triggers.
Establish Supportive Boundaries
If you’re hosting, consider setting guidelines around alcohol or ensuring supportive people are present. Let your loved one know they can step away whenever they feel overwhelmed.
Encourage Self-Care
Support their commitment to recovery by encouraging meetings, mindfulness practices, rest and quiet time. Protecting their emotional well-being is especially important this time of year.
Celebrate Milestones
If they’ve achieved a sobriety milestone, acknowledge it – privately or with family. Recognition reinforces their progress and strengthens confidence.
Practice Patience and Grace
Recovery isn’t linear. If emotions run high or challenges arise, respond with patience, understanding and compassion. Your steady presence matters more than you may realize.
Explore Recovery Resources
Organizations like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous often host additional meetings on major holidays – support that can help keep routines and accountability in place.
This holiday season, may we show up for our loved ones with empathy, openness and encouragement. Small acts of understanding can make this time of year not only manageable, but deeply meaningful for those in early recovery. FBN
By Roy DuPrez, M.Ed.
Roy DuPrez 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 men ages 18–35 recover from addiction through a unique combination of structured residential treatment and outdoor adventure therapy.
For more information, visit www.back2basicsrecovery.com, call 928-814-2220, or email rduprez@b2badventures.com.
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