In this article, we’ll explore the nuances of addiction during the holiday season and guide you in finding hope and support. It’s important to know that the holidays don’t have to feel like a celebration. You can give yourself permission to simply be where you are emotionally. Give yourself a break by letting go of the need to meet the reframing holidays in early recovery expectations of others.
The Benefits of Building a Strong Support Network in Group Counseling
Deep breaths help to slow the heart rate, lower blood pressure, and clear the mind, making it easier to face cravings. “We cannot control what happens to us, but we can control our response.” The internet is full of quotes like this by various authors. We might be used to reacting to things out of our control, like other drivers, political posts from the opposition, and even the weather.
Understanding Additional Triggers During the Holidays
This buddy, whether it’s your trusty sponsor or that friend who always has your back, can keep you grounded when the holiday madness kicks in. The right companion makes a world of difference, whether it’s at Grandma’s turkey feast or your cousin’s off-the-wall New Year’s Eve bash. For anyone on the recovery road, putting work into relationships, seeking out help, and taking advantage of what’s on offer makes all the difference, giving you a supportive holiday backdrop. If you come prepared to protect your sobriety, you should be able to outmaneuver addiction and avoid any potential relapses. Having a positive outlook can benefit you in recovery as you focus on the good in your situation. Nova Recovery Center is dedicated to helping you or your loved one get help.
The end-of-year holidays can be a challenge for those in addiction recovery.
As mentioned previously, the holidays can surface unique triggers for individuals in early recovery. While individuals cannot possibly prepare for every trigger they will encounter throughout the holidays, it can help to reflect and identify potential triggers ahead of time. https://onlinemembership.elitegloballeadershipclub.com/how-to-create-meaning-in-life-4-tips-from-you-only/ With the right mindset, preparation, and support, you can navigate challenges and emerge stronger in your recovery journey. Remember, sobriety is the greatest gift you can give yourself and those who care about you. Celebrate your progress, embrace new traditions, and know that thriving through the holidays is not only possible but deeply rewarding.
Schedule phone or video sessions with your care team, even if you’re away from home. Use technology to maintain contact with supportive family members or friends who understand your recovery needs. A quick check-in can make a big difference during challenging moments.
- Travel can also throw some off from their normal routine, especially if they regularly go to recovery support group meetings.
- Managing triggers effectively is essential for maintaining sobriety and avoiding relapse.
- The holidays can be a tricky time for folks in recovery because stress is often at its highest, and temptation is everywhere.
A mistake is not a relapse, and reframing holidays in early recovery it’s not going to land you in rehab, but those secrets might. For people in early recovery, these stressors can be more severe. Alcohol Use Disorder Everything you’ve picked up during the recovery phases can be super helpful, especially during the holiday shuffle. If certain people in your life tend to bring negativity, limit your interactions with them during the holidays. Surround yourself with supportive individuals who respect your recovery journey.
The Role of Mental Health Treatment in Addiction Recovery
One effective mindfulness tool is the ‘leaves on a stream’ meditation, where individuals imagine placing urges or thoughts on floating leaves and watching them drift away. This practice fosters acceptance and detachment, decreasing the likelihood of acting impulsively. Recovery from alcohol and drug addiction is possible, for you or a loved one. For more ideas on dealing with difficult situations in recovery, check out a meeting near you or online.
Practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or mindfulness, to manage stress effectively. Stress can be a significant trigger, so addressing it head-on is vital. Our Treatment Advisors are available 24 hours a day to help you or a loved one access care. We’re ready to make sure you have the support you need to achieve lifelong recovery. There is still an opportunity to build on the progress you’ve made. Recovery Unplugged is a national behavioral healthcare organization with locations across the country that combines evidence-based practices with music to help clients more readily embrace treatment.
Individuals in early recovery are likely involved with an intensive treatment program. However, some facilities may offer reduced sessions or reduced time spent at the facility throughout the holiday season. Fortunately, many recovery programs know that temptations only get stronger during the holidays.
After the holidays have passed, the days can drag by slowly, making the winter months monotonous, dull and isolating. Instead of focusing on what was, consider reframing your mindset to prioritize what is and what is to come. I knew in my heart that if I stayed on this path, I would be okay and next year would be amazing. Accepting that not everything will be perfect helps reduce disappointment and stress. While family gatherings are meant to foster connection, they can also reopen old wounds, bring up unresolved conflicts, or trigger feelings of guilt and shame about the past.
Creating an individualized recovery plan is crucial for managing triggers effectively during significant events such as holidays, birthdays, or social gatherings. This plan should include identifying personal triggers—both internal and external—and outlining specific coping strategies tailored to these triggers. It is advisable to prepare a list of high-risk situations, such as environments where substances are present, and develop clear boundaries to avoid them.
Everyone is running on empty, and the annual fight is just waiting to happen. We guarantee quality products and provide the best support available in the market. We also enforce a tiered review process in which at least three individuals — two or more being licensed clinical experts — review, edit, and approve each piece of content before it is published. Our clinical and medical experts, ranging from licensed therapists and counselors to psychiatric nurse practitioners, author our content, in partnership with our editorial team. In addition, we only use authoritative, trusted, and current sources.