How to Stay Sober During the Holidays

Why You Need to Focus on Staying Sober During the Holidays

The holidays can be an emotional landmine, even for the strongest, most well-adjusted individual. Being in addiction recovery during this time of year adds another layer of stress and uncertainty that can be difficult to navigate. You may wonder how to stay sober during the holidays, when people are in a celebratory state, with alcohol and drugs at nearly every social gathering. Along with the financial stress, the pressure to “have fun,” the anxiety of traveling, and the pressure that comes with multiple holiday parties and spending time with family members you hardly ever see, your routines are disrupted due to travel or hosting guests in your home, and there are complicated relationships to navigate.

If you decline invitations, you may feel judged, left out, and experience other emotions that come with the stress of missing out on an important event. All of this combined can make for a triggering experience, especially for somebody in early recovery. You may feel a loss of control, be emotionally triggered, and have the temptation to abuse substances simultaneously, a recipe for disaster, so staying focused on your well-being is of utmost importance during this time of year.