The end of the year brings a whirlwind of events, from Halloween to New Year’s Eve and everything in between. These holidays are the perfect time for family and friends to gather and celebrate. But if you’re in addiction recovery, these get-togethers can sometimes stir up feelings of anxiety. To help you feel more comfortable during the festivities, here are 5 tips for managing holiday stress during your addiction recovery.
Plan a Peer Support Opportunity
A strong support system is one of the most valuable things during recovery. Before and/or after holiday events, try to schedule or attend a peer support meeting or activity. Knowing you have people to lean on can help you feel more grounded and ready to handle whatever comes up.
Host the Event
A lot of the anxiety around holiday gatherings can come from not being in control of the environment. If you host the event, you get to set the tone. You can make it clear that your gathering is substance-free, which can help lower your stress and make the event more enjoyable for everyone. Plus, you get to decide on food, activities, and who’s invited!
Have an Exit Strategy
Whether you’re hosting or attending, it’s always a good idea to have a preplanned exit strategy. If you’re going to someone else’s event, driving yourself instead of carpooling gives you the freedom to leave whenever you need to. If you’re attending with a close friend or partner, come up with a discreet signal or code word to let them know when you need a break or want to leave early. This way, you have a way to look out for yourself without drawing attention.
Create New Traditions
Some old holiday traditions might not align with your recovery goals, and trying to adapt them can sometimes feel like you’re missing out on the past. Instead, why not create new traditions? Plan activities that feel meaningful and fun, whether it’s cooking a special meal, having a cozy movie night, or heading outdoors for a hike or snowball fight (depending on the weather). New traditions let you enjoy the holidays without constantly comparing them to old habits.
Be Kind to Yourself
Above all, remember to be kind to yourself during the holidays. This time of year can be tough for anyone in recovery, and feeling nervous about social events is totally normal. It’s okay to take things one step at a time. Ultimately, if an event isn’t conducive to your recovery journey, you don’t have to go, During the holidays, it’s easy to want to put others before yourself. Remember to put yourself and your recovery needs first, and skip an event or gathering if you don’t think it will be a positive experience for where you are at in your journey.
Research Addiction Treatment Options
Managing addiction during the holidays can be difficult, regardless of whether you’re actively in recovery or not. Our addiction treatment centers in Ohio offer a variety of resources and programs to provide the customized assistance you need. Contact us today to feel confident in your ability to start or continue your addiction recovery journey this holiday season.
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