When you are in recovery for addiction or alcoholism, holidays can present many problems. Not only is this the time of year when worries about money are at their peak, but you also have to deal with family — some who might be unpleasant or even toxic — who you don’t normally see. Despite the potential for setbacks, the holidays are coming, and there are ways you can make the most out of the season. Put the following tips to good use.
Avoid toxic people and bad situations.
During the holidays, you will most likely come into contact with extended family and friends you haven’t seen since last year. Uncle Bob, for example, who you slammed a 12-pack with last Christmas. If you are relatively new to sobriety, he might not know your situation. If he also has a problem with drugs or alcohol, it’s probably best to steer clear. This might not be easy but, as US News & World Report asserts, it’s best to surround yourself with positivity. And you define what positivity is — no one else gets to tell you who you should and should not be with.
Maintain sober habits on the road.
If you can’t avoid all potentially uncomfortable situations, at least make a point to stay somewhere that you can focus on your recovery. If you are heading into Fort Lauderdale for the holidays, rent a condo or house away from temptation. Instead of the bar scene, Turnkey points out that places such as the Museum of Discovery and Science or the Hugh Taylor Birch State Park are great places to visit. While you will not be able to sidestep the party scene completely, each of these options put you less at risk of a relapse scenario. Furthermore, having your own private retreat can help you keep up with your nutrition — you’ll have your own kitchen — and you’ll have a place to get away if you get overwhelmed by family activities. If you have a sponsor, you’ll also have privacy when you need to make a phone call if you feel stressed.
Get together with your peers.
Your sobriety is on the line, and when you really need to avoid bad situations, consider spending the holidays with your peers. AA and NA each host many festivities throughout the season, starting at Thanksgiving. Most also have 24-hour rooms available to meet and greet the season with people who support your sober lifestyle. If you can’t be with family, don’t be alone either. Contact your sponsor or group leader for more information.
Don’t over-exert yourself financially.
Money matters are stressful year-round, but they’re even more so during the holidays. The American Psychological Association explains that financial woes are one of the top causes of stress for adults. Unfortunately, stress may act as a gateway or an excuse for relapse. But it does not have to. When you are struggling to make ends meet, don’t try and impress the people on your gift list. Instead, give gifts that provide value beyond the dollar sign. Give the gift of a clean house, a home-cooked meal, or baked goods. Remember, gifts should never be about cost, and the real value lies in the thoughtfulness and intention behind them.
Make a gift list for yourself.
At some point, someone is going to ask what you want for Christmas. Do not be afraid to point them in the direction of goods and services that can help you maintain your sobriety. This might be a self-help book, things to help you refocus your attention, such as a fidget spinner or Rubik’s Cube, or experiences, such as painting or a helicopter ride over your city.
Give back to your community.
Finally, you may find that you get through the holidays more easily when you use your sobriety to give back. Volunteer at your local homeless shelter or women’s shelter, make cards for inmates, or coordinate with nearby nursing homes to spend time with elderly residents that do not have family. Volunteering is an excellent way to support a clean lifestyle, and it also gives you a sense of responsibility, which can lift you up on your worst days.
Surviving the holidays is a challenge for many people. It’s exponentially so when you’re also recovering from addiction. It does not have to be a negative experience, and with a few tweaks to your routine, you might find that this year is your best holiday season yet.
Written by guest author Ryan Rosen from recoveryspark.org
