Holidays are that time of year where everyone is in the hustle and bustle of all things that are festive. School vacation, holiday work parties, friend gift exchanges, family gatherings, shopping, decorating, you name it, all of it take a toll on self-care. While this time of year is fun and exciting, your recovery can take a hit if you are not putting your sobriety number one due to the busyness of the season.
Whether this is your first sober holiday, or you have years of sobriety behind you, understanding what can happen during the holiday season is extremely important. Recovery is all about building a defense against that first drink or drug which can be dismantled very easily with everything that goes on during the holidays. Before you let your efforts in your recovery go by the wayside, look at what to expect when you are trying to stay sober over the holidays.
Your feelings could intensify
Without the effects of drugs and alcohol, your feelings could come out in full force. This time of year can bring out feelings that are sentimental in nature, involve grieving a loved one, or being provoked because you are too overwhelmed with everything that comes with the holidays. Knowing what could be ahead of you with your state of mind can get you better prepared to honor your feelings. The key to remember is that feelings are not facts.
Your motivation could minimize
With all the feelings you are experiencing, you may find yourself wanting to isolate and not be part of all the festivities. Anxiety and depression could take over due to the stress and expectations that are put on you. Rather than isolate from everyone, find those who will understand what you are going through to keep you motivated and enjoy the spirit of Christmas.
Your sobriety could strengthen
Going through the holidays without the use of mind-altering substances for the sake of staying sober will no doubt build your confidence. If you want something you have never had, you have to do something you have never done before. If you have not stayed sober over the holidays, you totally can. Strengthening your recovery comes from walking through tough holidays using your recovery tools and coming out of the other side stronger – and sober!
Now that you know what to expect during sober holidays, stay on the path you are one. What you will find is that sobriety is the best gift you could ever give to yourself.
Offering a full range of recovery and mental health services, Valiant Living offers “Expanded Recovery” to enrich our clients’ lives in mind, body, and spirit. Through evidence-based therapy options and the endless adventure of Colorado, Valiant fosters connection, encouraging clients to get connected to themselves, their peers, their families, and their higher power. With the power of recovery, clients are restored to full health and experience life-changing healing. Call us today for more information: 303-536-5463
