Staying Sober in The Toughest of Times

16 Oct Staying Sober in The Toughest of Times

One of the most common misconceptions about people in recovery is that they don’t have fun, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. On St. Patty’s Day, you and your friends in recovery can get together to cook, watch movies, and even make alcohol-free drinks with some green coloring to get into the holiday spirit. At reframing holidays in early recovery Nova Recovery Center, we provide individualized drug and alcohol rehab Austin for men, women, and LGBTQ+ individuals. Family visits can also be a source of anxiety, whether you’re in recovery or not. During the holidays, families tend to gather together more often and you may see several relatives you don’t see often.

• Staying mindful is a powerful tool that we can use to maintain our sobriety during tough times.
• Although the holiday blues can be difficult to handle in recovery, you can get help from your therapist, counselor, or addiction treatment provider to learn how to manage your symptoms and find support.
• Some people may feel exoticized or uncomfortable if they are put on the spot.
• Start with an interfaith calendar and let everyone in the organization know which holidays team members will be observing; you don’t need to specify who.
• Tough times can trigger our habitual response to escape from pain or numb the pain.
• Plan for moments where you can be present and mindful of what you are doing.

It is also critical to acknowledge the importance of Juneteenth, which commemorates the emancipation of slavery in the United States. Many Caribbean countries celebrate similar holidays, such as Emancipation Day. Pride can be a significant part of the year for many people who belong to the LGBTQIA2+ community or have loved ones in the LGBTQIA2+ community. Some people may commemorate days that signify mourning and loss, such as the Trans Day of Remembrance.

Reframing Holidays in Early Recovery

Connect with friends in recovery – Keep other people in recovery on speed dial or at the top of your texts. A quick check-in with someone else in recovery can help you feel less alone in a place where you may be one of the only people who isn’t drinking or using other substances. Have a plan – It’s important to have a plan going into the holidays. What will you do if you’re offered a drink or if a trigger arises and drugs or alcohol are available?

It is actually a rather common occurrence on the road to recovery. This is especially true in the treatment of eating disorders, as clients and providers often experience a “two steps forward, one step back,” pattern. Given the lack of education regarding this process, clients and treatment teams can sometimes feel defeated, hopeless and a rush of negativity when there is an increase in relapse behaviors. I have found, however, that these moments can actually become encouraging, positive and transformative experiences when re-framed as an opportunity for change. Even the sunniest places like Del Mar, California, can feel cold and get dark early during the winter, causing isolation and depression. The lack of sunlight, shorter days and shift in climate can make life feel bleak and dull. You might find that winter makes your mental health issues harder to deal with, especially if you experience anxiety, depression or a substance use disorder.

Veteran PTSD Treatment Sacramento and Bay Area

Try not to go for the “healthiest option.” Try foods you’d really like to eat if you feel confident that you’re in a solid enough place in your recovery to face fear foods outside of treatment. The holidays are filled with food, parties, and people who you may not have seen in a long time.