Most people know that staying sober on vacation can be difficult, especially for those in an early recovery stage. Plus, when everyone is seemingly having a great time at parties, family gatherings, and other social occasions, it can be hard to get used to the idea of staying sober during the holiday season. For many people in recovery, the holidays can be a time of sadness and pain, along with emotional ups and downs that lead to occasional bouts of happiness, anxiety, loneliness, and sadness.
Those who struggle during the holiday season can often link the holiday season with memories of troubled relationships, irreparable personal losses, being away from a loved one, or any unfortunate event. Unfortunately, these fluctuating moods can trigger a relapse in people recovering from alcoholism and drug addiction. However, do not panic, as there is hope. The blues can be handled very well, or perhaps avoided altogether by planning ahead.
Tips to ensure a happy and sober vacation
Whether someone is on the mend or not, a good vacation plan is the key to keeping the sadness that threatens Christmas experiences at bay. Taking good care of yourself, ensuring the support of others, and discovering innovative and healthy ways to celebrate should be at the top of the list. Here are some helpful tips to help you strengthen your sobriety goals during the holiday season:
Set realistic goals: Setting realistic expectations and expecting something practical and achievable prevents emotional disappointment. Conflicts are inevitable in life, and vacation meetings can have the potential to reopen old wounds. But it’s important to stay calm and give up any impulse to manipulate or change.
Feeling good about being sober: Constantly reminding yourself of the benefits of being sober can be a daily moral boost. Adding a sticky note on the mirror goes a long way in fostering positive thoughts in the mind.
Planning activities: Planning activities like going to the movies with the family or for any sporting event instead of just sitting and chatting certainly helps eradicate sadness. Priority should be given to physical activities that keep everyone busy and focused.
Avoiding negativity: Spending less time with annoying or irritating people saves you significant stress. Similarly, staying away from drink addicts helps you embrace sobriety during the holiday season.
Breaking the routine: Celebrating the season in a unique way by breaking normal routines – like helping a favorite charity or helping the elderly or infirm spread a little joy – can be a great experience.
Accepting reality: Releasing hard feelings while on vacation is vital to staying sober. Making peace with the present and accepting things that are out of one’s control can save anyone from a heartache, as well as the looming threat of relapse.
Get support: Finding ways to improve one’s support system can do wonders in keeping a calm head and a sober mind. The holidays are the best times to make more visits to therapists, spiritual advisers, as well as support and healing groups. This is a great way to learn about one’s true potential.
Embark on a journey to sobriety
Alcohol is the most frequently abused substance in the United States. Drinking during the Christmas season is a common phenomenon around the world. But you have to remember that alcohol abuse leads to alcoholism and alcohol addiction. Alcohol withdrawal is life threatening, therefore people with these symptoms should undergo detoxification therapy under medical supervision.
