Tell people your medications can’t be mixed with alcohol or that you have an early morning to prepare for. Nonalcoholic beverages can be triggering for some, so your mileage may vary, but for me they were incredibly helpful. Some https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/8-tips-on-ow-to-spend-holidays-sober/ nonalcoholic beers made me check the label twice because they were that close to the alcoholic versions. In that time, Julie’s brother-in-law, who always arrives under the influence of drugs, drinks too much and starts arguments.

What is the purpose of Sober October?

Every year, Macmillan runs a Sober October campaign to encourage people to go alcohol-free in October to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a replacement for medical advice. Always consult a qualified health or mental health professional with any questions or concerns about your mental health. If you are someone who attends a support group, whether it be Alcoholics Anonymous, SMART Recovery, Recovery Dharma, or any of the others, it might be a good idea to double up on meetings in the near future. Here are some of the tools that aided me during my first few holidays in sobriety. If you or someone you care about is struggling with substance abuse, don’t wait to get help – hope and healing are available at Valley Hope 24/7.

Provide Alcohol-Free Alternatives

Even if you know that you’ll be in a space with sober people this holiday season, it can be tempting to offer up an alcoholic drink as the default. “But saying ‘no’ might be hard for a person who’s not drinking, and some people, depending on the nature of their sober journey, may just agree to drink out of politeness,” says Bodkins. In that case, you’re inadvertently putting a sober loved one into an awkward position where they feel like they’re only drinking to appease you. So, even if it’s with all the best intentions, avoid extending an alcoholic drink to any friend on contact. If you do attend a party where drinks are served, prepare yourself for the event.

Why do I feel bored when sober?

Practice Self-Care

Sometimes, boredom can stem from feeling down or depressed. You can fight these feelings by practicing self-care activities such as watching your favorite movie, going on a walk in the sunshine, or even cleaning your room.

When she needed a break, she locked the bathroom door and took five minutes to get quiet and read a slogan. Make a new holiday tradition by scheduling a massage for the day after. On top of that, you can’t attend your home group meeting, and you haven’t heard from your sponsor in two days. Here are seven tried-and-true tips and strategies that will prepare you for the holidays, help you avoid relapse and protect you from any uncomfortable situations. At Northstar Transitions, we understand how difficult the holidays can be, especially when you are newly sober. Preparing for all of the parties can seem daunting, but remember having a plan in place beforehand will help you maintain your sobriety in environments full of triggers and temptations.

Meet Your Recovery Team

My family has a legend we talk about from my non-sober holidays past. It’s about the time “Mom,” with a bottle of chardonnay coursing through her system, put hot stuffing into a Pyrex bowl. And while the rest of the Thanksgiving meal was sliced, mashed, and dolloped into serving dishes, I attempted to keep the stuffing warm on a low fire on the gas stove.

sober holidays

If you’re feeling hungry, angry, lonely, or tired, or HALT, for short, then you can take steps that will help you feel better before you go. If you’re feeling especially vulnerable, you might want to reconsider attending. The process of reaching your destination and the possibility of being around people who don’t support or understand your recovery journey can be challenging. If you’re traveling over the holidays, book a hotel room or stay with (sober) friends for the duration of your stay if possible. Your family might insist that they have plenty of room to host you, but you’ll likely need the space to be by yourself after family gatherings. Doing so can help you decompress and maintain your commitment to dry holidays.

Support Your Recovery

The better you feel physically, the stronger you will be emotionally. Nourish your spirit, too, through personal reflection and connection with those you love. Find some quiet time each day for relaxation and meditation—if only for a few minutes, no matter how busy you are. If you know Cousin Sadie is going to grill you about rehab, avoid her.

  • If you or someone you care about is struggling with substance abuse, don’t wait to get help – hope and healing are available at Valley Hope 24/7.
  • Exercise gets the endorphins going and makes you feel motivated to take on the holidays.
  • Our holiday family legends are pretty funny to look back on, especially now that I am not quite as dangerous in the kitchen.
  • For many, family interaction plays a big part in this holiday pressure.
  • Enjoy the tranquil views of the Arenal Volcano from your hotel.
  • Standing family traditions can make holidays tough for those in recovery.
  • Make a new holiday tradition by scheduling a massage for the day after.

If you encounter a familiar, dangerous situation, walk away. If you feel yourself getting frustrated or lonely in your sobriety, talk to someone you trust. If you feel physically or mentally exhausted, get some rest to try and quiet any uneasiness.