Lectures at the fralin biomedical research institute
Lectures at the fralin biomedical research institute
Sober Ways for the Holidays
By: Mackenzie Wilcox
“We believe recovery is an inclusive process and we welcome you to register and participate in the IQRR, regardless of whether you’re currently struggling. Please help us help others!”
-The IQRR Team
With the holidays approaching, staying sober can be a challenge for some. Although there are plenty of alcoholic beverages floating around during Thanksgiving and Christmas, there are many ways to help you stay sober while enjoying the holiday season. One of the first steps to having a successful sober holiday season is to set small goals that are realistic and attainable. Such goals could include knowing your plan for parties or events you will be attending, having good company and support around, and recognizing your triggers. We provide more in-depth advice to accomplish a sober holiday season below!
1. Have a mapped-out plan of parties or events you would like to attend to help keep yourself on a set schedule with less risk of having to deal with unknown issues that could arise. If you plan to go to an event and you know the details of the event, such as if there will be alcohol, who will be in attendance, and your transportation, you will be able to control the situation better, compared to if you attend a spur of the moment, unexpected event.
2. Keep good company and supportive people around you during recovery, especially the holiday season when emotions can be strong. This is a great way to ensure sobriety. Keeping a close group of people around who understand and encourage your sobriety journey promotes a more stress-free recovery process. Having your support network a quick call or text away can help you during your times of need and when you feel vulnerable during recovery.
3. Know your triggers. Recovery is a hard and rewarding process and knowing your triggers will help prevent relapse at any stage. The holiday season brings many triggers along with it, whether those triggers are family members, events, or the overwhelming stress from the holidays themselves. Learning effective coping strategies can become the best way to help keep yourself calm and help you overcome certain situations that may try to tear you down. Examples of coping strategies include meditation, removing yourself from the situation, journaling, or another outlet that allows you to express the way you are feeling in that moment.
The holiday season should be a time of love and appreciation! Here at the International Quit & Recovery Registry, we are determined to provide you with the best resources we can to support a successful journey to sobriety. We also have events located on our calendar page that highlights special events that are being held. We highlight multiple events that are happening in the month of November, specifically alcohol-free events! Check out the page to find a potential event you can attend and gain more knowledge from as you navigate recovery! Have a happy and healthy holiday season!
*Any information contained in this blog post is for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
References
1. 12 tips to staying clean and sober during the Holidays - Executive Drug Rehab: Private Drug Rehab. Executive Drug Rehab | Private Drug Rehab. Retrieved November 15, 2021, from https://crossroadsantigua.org/12-tips-to-staying-clean-and-sober-during-the-holidays/.
2. How to maintain sobriety during the Holidays. Resources To Recover. Retrieved November 15, 2021, from https://www.rtor.org/2020/11/29/how-to-maintain-sobriety-during-the-holidays/.
3. Tips for staying sober during the holidays. Tips for Staying Sober During the Holidays | Hazelden Betty Ford. (n.d.). Retrieved November 15, 2021, from https://www.hazeldenbettyford.org/articles/tips-for-enjoying-sober-holidays.