10 Tips to Stay Sober & Survive the Holidays With Your Family
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One of the best things you can do to help with self-control is remove all temptations. Dispose of any previous substances of use and any items that might be triggers for you. If you live with family or roommates, you can politely ask them not to drink or use around you and keep any alcohol or drugs away from the home. Maintaining healthy habits and having a practical plan for long-term recovery are also crucial for strengthening your self-control over time.
How do I commit to quit drinking?
- Set specific goals.
- Consider what motivates you.
- Alcohol and weight.
- Think about what you will miss.
- Communicate your intentions.
- Be aware of your triggers.
- Notice how you feel.
- Celebrate your successes.
Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. It depends on what substance you are recovering from, how long you’ve been using it, and how much you used.
Spend Time With Real Friends & Family
Don’t try to fight it or curse yourself for “letting” it happen, see if you can interpret how it feels; the quality of the urge. Think of how the feeling is affecting you and try to ride it out. It’s important to remember that you’re going to be craving alcohol to reward the short-term part of your brain, not the long term. Create some goals for yourself to remind yourself of what you’re working towards. Returning back to your old stomping grounds is one of the fastest ways to relapse.
Is it healthier to be sober?
It's no secret that being sober has many benefits over living in active addiction. They include stable neurology, increased energy, ease of falling and staying asleep, improved skin, and, of course, saving both time and money.
The benefit of exploring these healthy coping tools and alternative activities will be long-lasting, and potentially lifesaving. By staying close to home, sober and off the roads where those who are drinking may also be driving, you will be set up to have many more happy and sober holidays to come. But you don’t need to be in a 12-step program to have a buddy. Ask someone you respect if they can be your “go-to” friend in times of need. It’s great if this can be someone successful in their own recovery program or a substance abuse coach, as they will be the most qualified to support you on your journey. That said, it is also key to cultivate supportive relationships with close friends or family members who can step in to support you at a moment’s notice.
Sober Strategies Playbook: Tips for Staying Sober
If you find it difficult to make new, sober friends, try joining a support group. One of the keys to staying clean and sober for the long haul is replacing your old destructive behaviors with a new, healthy routine. Much of the therapy in rehab is designed to help you think and behave differently so you can replace negative patterns with positive behaviors. Even something as simple as joining an exercise class can help – as you feel healthier and see positive changes, you will find it easier to avoid falling back into substance abuse.
John C. Umhau, MD, MPH, CPE is board-certified in addiction medicine and preventative medicine. He is the medical director at Alcohol Recovery Medicine. For over 20 years Dr. Umhau was a senior clinical investigator at the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism of the National Institutes of Health .
Build Up Your Support Network
If you want to knowhow to stay soberafter rehab, start by thinking about who is in your support network. Don’t be afraid to reach out to loved ones to let them know how to encourage you better. Seek out new friends, in person or online, who share your experiences and interests. Specific changes can benefit people who have recently completed a treatment program. Plan to provide support, and receive the support, of peers in recovery with a sober celebration.
Sober for October: Wellness Champion Story – First Nations Health Authority
Sober for October: Wellness Champion Story.
Posted: Tue, 11 Oct 2022 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Doing what you used to do is going to trigger a desire to use. Several smartphone apps https://ecosoberhouse.com/ offer ways to connect with others who are going through the same things you are.
What’s your holiday truth?
You could be looking for a way to gain more support from family and friends, or want to limit possible triggers for relapse that can be present in everyday life. Whether you’re struggling with your sobriety or just want to make sure that you stay on track this holiday season, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Reach out to a friend, call a hotline, or talk with tips to stay sober your doctor. Even if you’re not ready to go cold turkey on alcohol consumption—which is totally fine! —you can still get some guidance from people who know the ins and outs of staying sober while celebrating the holidays in a healthy way. If work is a mental health hazard more than anything else, then strongly consider your alternatives and find other work.
