Recovery from alcohol addiction doesn’t take a break during the holidays. But the holidays bring the pressure. Stress from family being more “around” than usual. Worry about making people’s expectations a reality. And that stress builds even faster when you know you have family and friends who will consume alcohol in front of you.
How do you manage it all?
At The Ranch at Drove Tree, you can step into care at the level you need, at any time. Our alcohol addiction treatment is available to you. If you’re not facing a crisis right now, consider these tips for handling alcohol addiction recovery during the holidays.
Set and Stick With Your Boundaries
You’ve heard this before, but what does it mean?
- Say no and mean it. Simply say, “I won’t be drinking today.”
- Make it clear from the invitation that you will not be drinking.
- If you know the gathering will elicit concerns about your lack of alcohol consumption. skip it. Your health should be more important to you and others.
Create and Stick With Your Self-Care Routine
Self-care is what fuels your ability to stay healthy. It’s what gives your body the ability to fight cravings and triggers. To do this, focus on these areas:
- Stick with your routine throughout the season. That includes sleeping, eating, and exercising.
- When stress builds, get in some extra exercise. Go for a walk or add a stop at a local pool for a swim. Exercise burns off stress hormone, providing relief.
- Don’t skip your quiet time because there’s so much to do. Find another place in your day to trim back so you can keep up with your peace.
Remain Connected With Your Team and Network
When stress builds, the best thing you can do is to turn to mentors, therapists, and professionals who can offer immediate support at the worst of times. Keep in touch with the people who you know empathize with you. Even if you’re feeling okay today, consider the following:
- Go to meetings more consistently. Even when you’re feeling good, your presence could help others feel better about what they’re facing.
- Touch base with your mentor or go back to the therapist for some outpatient therapy. Realize that if you need partial hospitalization program care to manage addiction and mental health concerns, we’re available to help you at that end as well.
- Journal, read a book, or join a podcast. If you can’t get to a meeting, find a way to reconnect on a personal level with your addiction recovery journey.
Change Your Expectations
The holidays will be different on your alcohol addiction recovery journey. Don’t expect the “normal.” In some households, that’s a good thing. They don’t have to be bad or sad, though. Instead, make them unique and fitting for who you are and where you are today. Here are some ideas:
- Put aside the “rules.” Just because you did something for years doesn’t mean it has to continue. When a past activity causes pain and frustration, make a change and don’t engage this year.
- Put the meaning back into the holidays. It’s not just about presents and spending money. Find a way to volunteer with an organization you value personally. You don’t even have to tell anyone about it.
- Create new memories with new friends. There’s often a time when you just need to surround yourself with support. Incorporate the people who have been part of your alcohol addiction recovery into your holiday activities. Plan something new.
Be Mindful of Your Thoughts
Many people face addiction triggers during the holiday. The best way to fight back against those negative thoughts is to pay close attention to your thoughts. Recognize the signs of increased stress.
- Experiencing memories that make you feel self-conscious or anxious? Change that around by thinking about all of the things you’re grateful for achieving in the last few years.
- Thoughts of past pain and trauma? If that link between trauma and using alcohol resurfaces, recognize it’s time to seek therapy for some help.
- Feeling angry and upset that you can’t celebrate the way others do? Use those thoughts to funnel change. Explore the depths of those feelings with your therapist.
Does it always have to be hard to navigate the holidays during alcohol addiction recovery? But you also need to realize it may not be easy without some guidance and support. Remember, you’re far from alone in this journey. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism shares that 28 million people, or 1 in 10, over the age of 12, suffered from alcohol use disorder in 2024.
Let Us Help You Fight Back
The Ranch at Dove Tree is available to help you this holiday season. Our alcohol addiction treatment program in Lubbock, Texas, provides the foundation for creating new holiday traditions that protect your health and mental well-being. Contact us now for guidance.
