The holidays can be stressful and exhausting whether you’re new to recovery or have been in recovery for years. This season can cause increased stress, increasing the urge to drink or use drugs. However, staying sober can be a successful holiday tradition with a few simple ideas.
While your family is spending time with each other, volunteer your time and energy to help the less fortunate. Perhaps you can bring a 12-Step meeting to a local rehab or detox center. Giving back to the community is a great way to stay grounded. In addition, you can start new traditions that will help you remain sober. These are just a few simple ideas to stay sober on Thanksgiving. Enjoy the holiday safely without drinking.
Preparing For a Sober Thanksgiving
Preparing for a sober Thanksgiving can be tricky if loved ones surround you. If you’re new to recovery, you may feel awkward or nervous around them. You might “tiptoe” around them or be overly attentive. You might even feel uncomfortable at sober family gatherings. Taking the time to mentally prepare before the holiday can result in a successful holiday.
Find A Sober Friend
A sober friend can provide company and support on Thanksgiving. Not only will this friend support you in your recovery, but they may also be willing to celebrate a sober Thanksgiving with you. This way, you’ll have someone to lean on when things get tough.
Express Gratitude for Your New Sober Life
If you are invited to a family dinner, be thankful that you got a chance to spend time with your loved ones. If you have a heart of gratitude, you are more likely to enjoy long-term recovery.
Be thankful for your newfound sobriety on Thanksgiving. You are alive and actively becoming a better you in each day of sobriety. As a survivor, you have the opportunity to make the most of each day and can tell your recovery story.
Remember Your Sobriety Reasons and Say No
First, say no. This year, avoid being tempted to drink by saying no to family gatherings. Instead, tell your family that you will stay sober on Thanksgiving this year. This will help you avoid the temptation to drink and allow you to put your recovery first. It is also essential to be direct about your sobriety. Remember your reasons for staying sober. When you’re tempted to drink, think about why you decided to get sober.
Identifying Triggers at a Gathering
When celebrating sober Thanksgiving, it’s essential to identify your triggers and prepare strategies for handling them. Triggers can be people, situations, or feelings. For example, seeing a glass of wine or a beer mug can trigger an urge to drink. Identifying your triggers will help you avoid situations where you may be tempted to drink alcohol. It can also help you control impulses and enjoy your time sober.
The holidays can be very stressful for people in recovery. They may feel strong urges to consume alcohol or use drugs. The holidays can also trigger episodes of depression, stress, or other mental health issues. It is important to be aware of these triggers and identify ways to handle them. Identifying your triggers is an essential first step in recovery.
Staying Healthy During the Holiday Season
While the holiday season can be a time of merriment, stress, and delicious food, there are also many ways to stay healthy. Make the most of your time by exercising and eating healthy. You also need to make sure to take time for yourself and relax. A warm bath, a quiet walk in the park, or a relaxing massage can all contribute to a healthy lifestyle during the holiday season. The holiday season is an excellent start with a new healthy eating plan.
Eat Healthy Diet
It is easy to overeat during the holiday season, so try to eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Also, make sure to drink lots of water. Bring a water bottle wherever you go.
Do Exercise Regularly
Try to get plenty of exercise each day. Experts recommend that adults engage in physical activity for at least 2.5 hours weekly. Children and teens should engage in one hour of physical activity daily. The exercise doesn’t have to be strenuous–it can be as simple as a short walk after the family holiday dinner. Another great option is to listen to health podcasts.
Think Positively
The ancient adage “It’s all in your head” has a lot of merits. Thinking adversely about a problem can dim your outlook and make your pessimistic predictions come true. However, an optimistic viewpoint helps train your brain to reduce irritations and other troubles, shielding you from stress. Even though it’s acceptable to be ready for the worst, go into family gatherings thinking everything will go well.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do you celebrate being sober?
Celebrating being sober can be challenging as you are in the initial stage of recovery. The top 5 ways to celebrate sobriety are:
Remember sobriety reasons
Remember your plans when you were a kid
Spend much time with your sober friends
Go for a holiday trip.
Always keep a non-alcoholic drink in hand
What do you say to someone who is celebrating their sobriety?
If you are the one who is celebrating sobriety, then you can say this to your friends: “I’m happy to hear that you’re doing well.” “You are indeed an inspiration to many battling addictions,” “You’ve developed into such a strong and self-assured person,” I said. “I’m delighted to share this occasion with you as you continue on your path!”
Is there a sober national day?
On September 14, National Sober Day, we are encouraged to celebrate sobriety and raise addiction awareness. The entire day is devoted to demonstrating support for everyone sober.
How to cope with being alone on Thanksgiving?
In general, there are three ways to cope with being alone on Thanksgiving:
Make the most of your time while acknowledging that you are alone
Active on social media to stop feeling so alone, find a sober friend to FaceTime or Zoom with
Plan your Thanksgiving celebration for the following year during this holiday
Stay Sober with Haven Detox Rehab Center
Preparing for a sober Thanksgiving can be a challenge for those in recovery. The holidays are hectic and stress-filled; many people use alcohol and drugs to deal with the stress or simply celebrate.
The Haven is the perfect place to recover from addiction with our up-to-date technology, various recreational amenities, and medical staff with decades of experience. From detox and therapy to aftercare, our patients can rest assured they will be safe and comfortable as possible throughout the entire process. Our team will examine each patient in-depth to provide a customized treatment plan.
When you are ready to take the first step towards sobriety, contact The Haven at (561) 328-8627.
