November 17, 2023
Explore practical tips for a sober thanksgiving and celebrate the holiday season without giving in to alcohol.
The holiday season is right around the corner. And for people struggling with addiction, it’s a challenging time of the year. Thanksgiving, winter celebrations, and New Year’s Eve are some of the booziest holidays. So, we won’t blame you if you wonder if it’s really possible to achieve a sober thanksgiving or any other holiday for that matter.
According to an American Addiction Centers survey, 29 percent of Americans consume more alcohol during the holidays. Though figures about the surge in relapse rates differ (ranging from 20 to about 150%), one thing is for sure: Maintaining sobriety during festivities is not a walk in the park.
So, whether you’re in recovery or simply abstaining from booze, we’ve prepared practical tips to help you safely navigate this season.
For anyone wishing to lead healthier lives, enjoying alcohol-free holidays is a major milestone. If you want to achieve this, the key lies in thorough planning and preparation.
First, you must acknowledge that the holidays are rife with potential triggers — most notably, social gatherings where alcohol is at the core. Then, identify your specific triggers and plan how to respond to those thoughtfully (We’ll tackle more of this in the next section).
Having a structured, personalized approach is beneficial because it will provide you with a framework that reduces your risk of relapse. It will help you minimize your anxiety and stress, allowing you to focus on your recovery journey and have a sober thanksgiving.
Staying sober amid the booze-filled holiday season is easier said than done. But, you can find hope in knowing that it can be done. Here are practical tips to follow.
Your sobriety is a piece of good news you must share. So, in time for the holidays, let your friends and family know about your journey — including the potential challenges that may arise. By being transparent, you’re empowering a more supportive environment.
While going in and out of rehab is common, your priority is to protect your sobriety. In challenging times like the holidays, opting for (or hosting) alcohol-free events is the most ideal situation. This doesn’t only eliminate your exposure to alcoholic drinks but also becomes an opportune time to connect with loved ones and like-minded people.
Several support groups and organizations also tend to conduct events designed for those recovering from alcohol abuse. And it’s recommended to check out such gatherings.
The truth is that drinks have become so ingrained in the culture of holiday celebrations that taking them out of the picture will make a substantial difference. So, to keep the merry mood alive, consider preparing non-alcoholic festive drinks.
Try dark red juices such as cranberry, cherry, and pomegranate to mimic the vibe of a red wine. You can be more homey by preparing hot chocolate. Spiced apple cider is another option you can make.
Recovery is about building healthier habits and traditions — especially those that you can observe during alcohol-laden celebrations.
In such gatherings, introduce activities that veer away from drinking. These can range from having a board game marathon to visiting charity homes. The goal is to demonstrate that shared experiences don’t have to involve alcohol. And to ensure that the traditions will live on, make planning a collective effort among you and your loved ones.
Here’s something we’d like to emphasize: Overcoming triggers and temptations is possible with proper planning. Explore alternative activities that don’t require drinking. Apart from the above-mentioned activities, you can celebrate the spirit of the season with outdoor adventures or creativity-leaning pursuits. For example, you can schedule a hike for that mountain you’ve always longed to climb. Or, you can attend workshops or cultural events.
It all boils down to identifying meaningful and engaging activities that resonate with you. Doing this makes it easier for you to look forward to it.
Now, what if you can’t avoid attending an event that offers alcohol? How do you enjoy a sober thanksgiving or holiday celebration? This is where having an exit strategy becomes truly essential. It could entail planning a prearranged commitment so you would have a reason to excuse yourself from the celebration. It could also be about enlisting a trusted friend’s help, asking them to call you during uncomfortable or tempting times.
Whichever strategy you come up with, ensure that you arrange transportation. This will help you exit any gathering more conveniently.
Having a strong support system is vital for anyone attempting to recover from their addiction. Apart from the emotional and moral support they provide, they also give practical help. They become particularly invaluable at times when you’re more vulnerable to alcohol. Case in point: the holiday season.
Don’t be afraid to share your feelings and thoughts with them, including your fears and worries. Reach out to them for sober holiday support. Tap them when crafting an exit strategy or when thinking of non-alcohol-centered activities to do.
The holidays, in reality, are stressful. There’s a need to organize and/or attend many gatherings, prepare and spend for gifts, and, at the same time, fulfill work and other personal obligations. When you become overcome with stress, it can cause you to turn to alcohol for a sense of relief. To combat such temptation and manage your emotions better, nourish your body and mind with self-care routines.
Eat nutritious meals and exercise. Meditate and pick up a healthy hobby. Invest time in yourself and focus on your healing.
The holiday season is particularly challenging to navigate. But don’t let negativity consume your thoughts. Pause, take a break, and reflect on what you’ve already accomplished in your recovery journey. Write them down in a journal to help you process your emotions better.
Pat yourself on the back and celebrate how far you’ve come. No matter how big or small, your successes are a testament to your determination to have a sober life.
While the holidays are typically associated with drinking, there’s beauty in having sober celebrations. They highlight the true essence of the season and allow you to form deeper bonds with the people around you — without the crutch of alcohol.
As the holiday season approaches, embrace it with confidence, recognizing that you have what it takes to maintain your sobriety. Especially with the tips discussed, you can amply prepare for what people consider as the most wonderful time of the year.
Need help from professionals so you can have a sober thanksgiving celebration? Another Chance has you covered. Know more about their programs and offerings, and get in touch today.
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