As the holiday season approaches, many of us look forward to festive cheer, the gathering of friends and family, and a chance to unwind and reflect on the past year. However, for people in recovery from alcohol or substance abuse, the holidays are often the most challenging time of the year. Stress and the prevalence of alcohol-centric celebrations can come together to create high-risk situations, and when this happens, the best way to stay sober is by preparing ahead of time so individuals can celebrate in healthy and enjoyable ways.
When in recovery, preparing for the holidays starts by proactively identifying triggers and strategies to cope with those triggers in healthy ways.
The holiday season is often filled with triggers that make abstaining from drug or alcohol use seem impossible. Some common examples of holiday triggers for substance abuse and alcoholism include:
Without proper support, these triggers can quickly heighten the risk of relapse.
Holiday stress poses a significant threat to sobriety if not managed effectively. Stress can lower motivation and lead people in recovery to act impulsively or seek relief by drinking or using.
Stress management skills are vital for maintaining sobriety during the holidays, including:
These simple steps can help minimize the risk of relapse during the holiday season.
To make sure you or someone you care about has what it takes to stay sober during the upcoming holiday season, follow these steps:
Download our step-by-step guide to prepare for the season’s challenges and stay focused on your recovery goals.
With the right approach and mindset, a sober coach can also be instrumental in making treatment and sobriety more manageable during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. They help with effective communication, relapse prevention, goal setting, celebrating progress, and engaging in sober activities that enrich well-being throughout the holidays.
Sober coaches play an invaluable role in helping people stay sober during the holiday season. They can help create a sobriety plan for attending holiday parties or provide support during stressful family events. They can also assist in accompanying the participant to situations involving alcohol and intervene if the participant is at immediate risk of relapse.
Having a sober coach’s consistent support can mean the difference between maintaining sobriety and falling into a holiday relapse.
overy during the holiday season.
Beyond preventing relapse, a sober coach provides ongoing support and guidance to promote overall mental health and recovery. They can conduct daily check-ins to assess the participant’s emotional state. From there, they motivate you to stick to healthy routines by answering questions about the recovery process or simply providing a caring, judgment-free ear.
With their support, you can learn to process difficult emotions in healthy ways, supported by access to counseling and therapy. This level of personalized support makes staying sober feel more achievable during the holidays.
With the support of a sober coach, people in recovery can fully participate in the holiday season without alcohol or drugs. A sober coach can:
By promoting joyful connection and meaning, a sober coach makes sobriety during the holidays feel enriching rather than restricting.
To make sure you or someone you care about has what it takes to stay sober during the upcoming holiday season, follow these steps:
A sober coach provides real-time support to help you navigate triggers that often arise during the holiday season. They can accompany you to gatherings, help you manage stress or social pressure, and reinforce the coping tools you’ve developed in treatment. Their presence adds accountability and reassurance when you’re surrounded by situations where alcohol or other substances are present.
Yes. Short-term support during the holidays can make a meaningful difference even if you feel confident in your recovery. Many people find that a sober coach offers peace of mind and prevents slip-ups in situations that are high-risk, such as family gatherings, corporate events, or New Year’s celebrations.
Relapse is one of the most common signals that additional support is needed. If you slip, reach out immediately to your care team, sober coach, or trusted professional. Revisiting your recovery plan, reconnecting with treatment resources, and addressing the triggers that led to relapse are all essential steps. The key is not to let shame or guilt keep you from getting back on track.
Bring your own non-alcoholic beverages, plan a polite response for when someone offers you a drink, and have an exit strategy if you start to feel overwhelmed. Surrounding yourself with supportive friends or family members can also help you stay grounded.
Families can help by offering alcohol-free alternatives, avoiding unnecessary pressure to attend every event, and showing understanding if their loved one sets boundaries. Encouraging open communication about needs and triggers is also crucial.
To achieve recovery goals for staying sober during the holidays, both you and your sober coach must be fully committed to the process. Be willing to listen to their suggestions and feedback. Know they have your best interest at heart, and they’ve been where you are.
With commitment from both sides, a participant-coach partnership can thrive during the holiday season and beyond. If you or someone you care about is ready to stay committed to sobriety this holiday season, request a confidential addiction consultation with the team at ALYST to get started.
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