Facing Challenges to Recovery During the Holidays

This was posted on by


The holiday season is here.

For some people, from Thanksgiving through New Year’s day, the holidays bring happy visions of festive meals and social gatherings with family, friends, and co-workers. For many people the holidays can also bring high expectations, busy schedules, fatigue, stress, conflicts, and regrets. For people in recovery from alcohol and/or drug use issues, navigating the holidays can pose a difficult challenge.

Although recovery challenges during the holidays are difficult, many people are able to maintain their sobriety and enjoy the holidays at the same time. With planning and preparation, recovery challenges can be met and overcome. Whether you are attending a holiday event with family, friends, or at work, planning is a great way to ensure the best chance of staying sober over the holidays.

Here are some suggestions for sober safety planning during the holiday season:

  1. Before becoming caught up in the emotional entanglements of the holidays, pause and examine possible expectations for this time of year. A person can talk with their sponsor and/or counselor about positive holiday  expectations, but also must face the realities and disappointments that may possibly come. This type of planning may also help a person avoid or negotiate situations which may leave them emotionally vulnerable.
  2. Before accepting an invitation, ask yourself the purpose of the event and why you feel that you should or should not attend. If you think you should not attend, don’t make excuses. Just say you can’t make it. Be polite, but firm.
  3. While at a party, it helps to have a non- alcoholic drink in hand. Otherwise, people may continue offering alcoholic drinks or bring one without asking. Bringing your own non-alcoholic drink ensures you will have something you like ready to go once you arrive.
  4. Bring a supportive friend. You can also call someone in recovery or attend a recovery meeting before or after the event. If the situation is toxic, but you feel you must attend, put in a token appearance and leave early. It is important to make sure you can leave at any time.
  5. While you are busy celebrating the season, remember to take care of yourself. Healthy eating, appropriate amounts of sleep, and a good exercise routine can keep you feeling physically and emotionally strong. Avoid over scheduling and try to keep time open for daily quiet time or meditation.
  6. Work the program. Try to continue with a consistent routine as much as possible. Attend mutual help meetings (AA, SMART, SOS, etc.), treatment groups, and individual therapy as scheduled. Staying grounded can be especially important during the holidays and staying consistent is a great way to do so.

For help and information, please contact us.


Disclaimer: All content on this website is for informational purposes only. It does not substitute for clinical treatment or advice. If you, a friend, or a family member is struggling with mental health and/or addiction issues please call our main office at 952-926-2526. For emergencies, go to your nearest emergency room and/or dial 911.