Beat the holiday blues: Tips for staying sober during the holidays
The holiday season can bring a mix of emotions to those dealing with addiction. Whether you’re battling anxiety over having to socialize without drugs or alcohol; depression over thoughts of a loved one you’ve recently lost; or discomfort about having to explain your sobriety to friends and family, don’t be discouraged – you aren’t alone! Here are a few tips to help minimize triggers and thoughts of relapse throughout the holiday months.
Have a plan
It’s important to prepare yourself for certain situations so you aren’t caught off guard in the moment. For example, if you know you’ll feel uncomfortable without a drink in your hand, come up with a list of non-alcoholic options you could order. If you know you’ll want to leave early, it might be best to take your own car to the function or ask another sober friend to be on-call to pick you up. If you think you’re going to be asked about your sobriety, be ready to address it in a way that you’re most comfortable. If you prefer not to bring it up, use excuses such as, “I’m trying to go on a run in the morning” or “I’m on a cleanse.” Or, …