How to Stay Sober During the Holidays

How to Stay Sober During the Holidays

• Mandy Sandhu
• 26 Nov 2024

Maintaining sobriety is hard. Maintaining it during the holidays is even more difficult. Whether you’ve been sober for a long time, or just recently, the holidays increase temptations and bring along additional social pressure.

As the holidays approach, we’ve prepared this guide to support those struggling with alcohol addiction and maintaining sobriety. At Freedom From Addiction, we acknowledge the hard work that goes into sobriety and hope to encourage our community to prioritize their personal well-being during the holidays.

Practical Tips for Staying Sober During the Holiday Season 

1. 1. Plan Ahead 

   Planning ahead is a great tip to set yourself up for success during festive events. It’s common for holiday events to include celebratory drinks, but for sober individuals, this is a challenge to navigate. It can be a temptation to resist. Planning ahead can help mentally prepare you.

   Plan where you’re going and what the event entails. This way, you’ll know what to expect, instead of walking into a space and being bombarded by triggers. Set your boundaries and plan other options for yourself, such as a soft drink or a favourite snack.

2. 2. Include Self-Care Practices 

   Self-care activities can help keep you grounded and focused. They can be used before, during, or after a holiday event. Self-care practices can include meditation, drawing, gardening, gaming, skin care, hiking, and so much more.

   Essentially, it’s any activity that boosts your mental and physical well-being. This establishes a solid baseline before entering into a challenging situation. It’s also a time to remember why you value sobriety.

   Include self-care practices during an event, as well, if you feel overwhelmed, anxious, or tempted to drink or take drugs. Mantras, breathing exercises, and more can help you refocus. Don’t forget self-care after the event, to treat yourself and wind down safely.

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5. Image source: Unsplash

7. 3. Prepare Responses to Drink Offers 

   Others might not know you’re sober, especially at a work event, for example, where personal situations like that aren’t always shared. Others might offer alcohol, trying to be kind and inclusive.

   Prepare your response. If you’re comfortable sharing, you can simply say, “No, thank you. I’m sober.” Otherwise, here are some other options to use, which include a redirect from alcohol:

   • “I already have a drink I like, but I’m thinking of trying some of the food.”
   • “I don’t drink. I’ve been focusing on other things like working out.”
   • “No, thanks, I’m driving tonight.”
   • “I’m prioritizing my health right now. I’m trying a new challenge.”

   In any case, be firm and confident with your response. Know that you aren’t obligated to share details with anyone, although your comfort level might vary depending on whether the event is with family members and friends, strangers, or work colleagues, for example.

8. 4. Bring Support 

   Staying sober is constantly challenging. There are frequently new obstacles. In unfamiliar situations, bring a support buddy with you. This could be a sober friend to connect and be with. Or, have someone you can contact on standby in case you need support at any point.

   It’s also a great idea to participate in sobriety groups, group therapy, or online communities for encouragement and motivation in hard times. Freedom From Addiction has many groups to participate in, including continuing care for those no longer staying at our rehabilitation centre.

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11. Image source: Canva

12. 5. Seek Help 

    Relapse is common with substance abuse. If you’re relapsing, or you feel at risk of relapsing, get professional help at Freedom From Addiction. You’ll get immediate help and support to detox safely.

13. It’s best to get help as soon as you notice a problem. Otherwise, it can quickly spiral out of control. If you’ve already participated in a withdrawal program at Freedom From Addiction, keep attending continuing care programs and other counselling programs that help you.

14. 6. Be Self-Compassionate 

    Maintaining sobriety during the holidays is a feat. It’s important to remember to be kind to yourself and prioritize sobriety goals. There’s a reason you’re sober. You’ve worked hard to achieve it, so keep the pace.

    Know that triggers and temptations are valid. Treatment programs with us will have taught you the skills you need to overcome them, rather than let them control you. If you’re struggling, remove yourself from temptations and focus on your goals.

15. 7. Avoid Triggers Where Possible 

    One of the easiest ways to avoid alcohol consumption is to avoid situations you know will trigger or tempt you. This isn’t always possible, especially given you never know where a trigger might be or if you’ll happen upon something you didn’t realize would trigger you.

    However, there’s always the option to avoid scenarios that will be challenging, such as holiday wine tastings, cocktail nights, or other events where there are likely to be many triggers. Triggers are unique to each individual. Make these decisions based on what’s difficult for you.

16. 8. Find Holiday Options That Don’t Include Alcohol

17. It’s an added challenge to be sober during the holidays, when so many people around are drinking to celebrate. Everyone needs to remember that celebrating doesn’t need to rely on alcohol or drugs. There are plenty of holiday activities that do not revolve around drinking or drugs. Take focus away from drinking by involving others in dancing, fun games, markets, holiday walks, food tasting, and more.

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9. Image source: Canva

Look to Friends and Family Members for Support

The importance of support networks can’t be overstated. A strong circle of individuals who care about your sobriety can make family gatherings and parties easier for you this holiday season. 

You deserve to spend time with friends and family who respect your choice to abstain from drinking and drug use and who can help you live a sober life. Rely on people who want to see you win and want to create an environment where you can enjoy the holiday season. Don’t be afraid to reach out to a loved one through phone calls or face to face meetings when you need help.

Freedom From Addiction is Here to Support You During the Holidays

At Freedom From Addiction, we know how difficult the holiday season can be for those with substance use disorders. Every family event, work holiday party, or reunion with friends can be a challenging time if you’ve quit drinking and want to avoid drug use.

As you start new holiday traditions and navigate sober living, we are here as an extra support. We offer holistic programs and experienced medical professionals who are here to help you when you need it most. 

If you or someone you know is struggling, don’t hesitate to contact us. Take the first steps toward recovery today.