The holidays can be a difficult time for people in recovery. There are more opportunities to drink, and there is more pressure to drink. Family gatherings and work parties can make it seem like everyone is drinking except for you. But it is possible to stay sober during the holidays. Here are some tips to help you get through the holiday season without relapsing.
1) Have a game plan. If you know that you will be attending a holiday party where there will be alcohol, have a plan in place for how you will stay sober. This may involve bringing your own non-alcoholic drink to the party, or leaving the party early if it gets too overwhelming.
2) Find a sober buddy. It can be helpful to have someone else who is also in recovery that you can talk to about your struggles and successes. This person can be a sounding board for you, and can help hold you accountable.
3) Avoid triggering situations. If you know that certain people or places are triggers for your drinking, do your best to avoid them during the holidays. This may mean saying no to certain invitations, or leaving a party early if someone starts drinking around you.
4) Lean on your support system. Your friends and family should be supportive of your sobriety. If they are not, that is their issue, not yours. Lean on those people who do support you, and who will help you stay sober during this difficult time of year.
How the Holidays Can Increase Drug Cravings
Holiday Stress
The holidays are often considered a joyful time of year, but they can also be a source of stress. For many people struggling with addiction, the added stress of the holidays can be overwhelming and lead to an increase in drug cravings. In addition, the holiday season is often accompanied by social gatherings where alcohol is served. This can make it difficult for those in recovery to stay sober.
Seasonal Affective Disorder
The holiday season also coincides with colder weather and shorter days. For some people, this change in seasons can lead to feelings of sadness and loneliness, which can trigger increased drug cravings. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs at the same time each year. Symptoms of SAD include fatigue, irritability, and cravings for unhealthy foods. While not everyone experiences SAD during the winter months, those who do may find that their symptoms worsen during the holidays.
Financial Hardship
The holidays can also be a financially stressful time of year. The pressure to buy gifts for loved ones, travel to see family, or host guests can be overwhelming. For some people struggling with addiction, financial stress can lead to increased drug cravings as they try to cope with the added pressure. In addition, the increased availability of drugs during the holidays can make it more tempting to use. Dealers may offer discounts on drugs during this time of year in order to increase sales. This makes it more affordable for people struggling with addiction to buy drugs when they may not have been able to otherwise.
The holidays can be tough for anyone, but staying sober during the holidays can be especially difficult for people in recovery from alcoholism. There are more opportunities to drink, and more pressure to drink than at any other time of year. But it is possible to stay sober during the holidays. By having a game plan, finding a sober buddy, avoiding triggering situations, and leaning on your support system, you can get through the holiday season without relapsing. So take care of yourself, and happy holidays!
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