There would be no more vinho verde to wash down a charcoal-grilled bream. It would be adeus to the icy Sagres lager that goes so perfectly with those fat, yellow sober holidays Portuguese chips. Aside from the gustatory pleasures, I worried about being the sober one. If I didn’t participate, it might endanger everyone else’s fun, too.
- Thanksgiving is known for being a holiday that features a lot of food, as well as drinking for those who don’t abstain from alcohol.
- Those showing up to social events sober can unintentionally hold a mirror up to those around them and lead to resistance and judgment.
These efforts help boost your morale and keep you closely connected with your recovery community. Through mutual accountability and encouragement, you’ll find the strength and resilience to navigate the challenges of the festive season, ensuring a fulfilling and sober holiday experience. Remember, the bonds formed within your support network can provide a steadfast foundation upon which you can confidently celebrate the season of joy and connection.
Stick to Your Routine
Instead of dreading the onset of a holiday, spend the time planning, thinking through possible outcomes, and what to do in response. However, not everyone who experiences sadness or depression has a mental health condition, and these feelings can act as a trigger. The stress of finding the perfect gift, or budgeting for gifts, can be a trigger for people in recovery, as stress in general is a common relapse trigger. New Life Portugal is also a destination to learn about meditation which is a recommended and powerful healing tool of recovery. Try some of these festive holiday activities that don’t involve alcohol.
You don’t have to let unfulfilled expectations, stressful family dynamics, or crazy in-laws threaten your recovery. When it comes to tips to stay sober self-care is at the top of the list. The best way to get through a sober holiday season, or any other holiday, is to take time to look after your own needs. Although these tips can be helpful, family can sometimes be the biggest challenge when staying sober during the holidays.
Support Helplines And Chats For Addiction Recovery
Maybe you need a few minutes to meditate before going to bed. Before your holiday schedule becomes packed with parties, get-togethers, family dinners, and more, commit to getting regular sleep. Many people have activities or interests that help keep them balanced. Ignoring triggers leaves you more susceptible to their influence in recovery, and allows them to maintain power over you. Spend time with people who you feel comfortable around, people who lift you up instead of bringing you down. Remind yourself that you are deserving of this connection — deserving of kindness, love, and happiness.
