The holidays can be especially difficult to navigate in early recovery. On one hand, you may have put together some meaningful sober time and be feeling strong, confident, and optimistic in your recovery. Then suddenly, almost out of nowhere, you find yourself considering a drink, not because you’re depressed, but because you’re excited. Celebration can be just as dangerous as despair if you let your guard down and fail to plan ahead.
A relapse doesn’t always happen in the depths of hopelessness. Sometimes it happens when you’re feeling on top of the world. On the other hand, the holidays can magnify feelings of loneliness, isolation, and loss. For some, those emotions can create a powerful urge to escape, numb out, or return to old coping mechanisms.
Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance – at the Holidays
The best course of action is to have a plan. That’s where the “5 P’s” can be helpful: Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance. No matter the situation, but especially in early recovery, preparation matters.
Early recovery can be unpredictable. You’re learning how to navigate life without the false sense of security you’ve relied on in the past. If actions are preceded by thoughts, then having a plan helps shift your mindset from reactive to intentional. Instead of being caught off guard by cravings, emotions, or unexpected situations, you can pause, regroup, and return to center.
Recovery doesn’t require perfection. It requires preparation, awareness, and a willingness to keep moving forward, one day at a time.
Tips For Promoting Sobriety During Holiday Seasons:
Having a list of helpful tips on how to navigate any holiday could be the difference between building great new sober memories and a morning full of regret.
If You’re Traveling, Consider Finding A Local AA Meeting To Attend
Find a local AA meeting and plan to attend, either before or after. To locate 12-step meetings in your area, reach out to your local AA Central Office. They serve as a resource hub with updated meeting lists and literature. You can also search online; there are usually multiple options throughout the day, in different locations. Many listings include a contact number for a home group member if you want to connect ahead of time.
Host Your Own Holiday Events with Your Network
Maybe you’ve reached a point in recovery where you’ve built a solid circle of sober friends. If so, use the holiday as an opportunity to come together and create your own celebration. Hosting or co-hosting with others in recovery can help create a safe, supportive environment while giving you more control over the food, beverages, and overall tone of the gathering. Sometimes the best holiday memories are made surrounded by people who truly understand the journey you’re on.
Invite A Friend/Accountability Partner
Friendship is critical in early recovery because it helps buffer the isolation that often drives addictive behavior. Sober friends share a unique understanding, having faced many of the same challenges and experiences. It can be incredibly valuable to have someone you trust, someone who is empathetic, nonjudgmental, and supportive. A sober friend or accountability partner can help you navigate difficult situations and provide perspective when you’re feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or uncertain. Recovery isn’t meant to be done alone. Meaningful connections with others can provide encouragement, accountability, and a sense of belonging during the healing process.
Adjust your expectations.
Having expectations of any kind, no matter how realistic they may seem, can weaken the quality of your recovery. Expectations often set the stage for resentments, keeping you tied to the past rather than focused on the present. In the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, resentments are considered “the number one offender.” Anyone who has experienced one or more relapses can probably, if they’re honest, identify a resentment that played a role in taking them back out. Before attending a holiday event, try to let go of preconceived notions. Go in with a clear head, an open mind, support, and a plan. Understand that this experience likely won’t feel like previous ones—and that’s okay. It will be different. Different doesn’t mean bad. New behaviors take time to learn and become comfortable. Give yourself grace.
Have an Exit Plan
No matter how much planning you do, situations can arise that are beyond your control. Someone may show up under the influence, alcohol may unexpectedly be introduced, or emotions may run higher than anticipated. Before attending any gathering, decide in advance when you plan to leave and how you will get home.
It’s also important to have a backup plan. Whether that means having money set aside for an Uber, arranging for a trusted friend or family member to be available, or identifying a safe place you can go if you need to leave early, preparation is key. This is where the 5 P’s become especially important. When challenges arise, having a plan in place can make all the difference.
The Importance of Recovery Support in Maintaining Sobriety
The holidays don’t have to derail your recovery. Challenges may arise, emotions may surface, and situations may not always go as planned, but none of those things need to result in a relapse. By staying connected, remaining honest with yourself, and putting the 5 P’s into practice, you give yourself the opportunity to navigate the season safely and successfully. Recovery is built one decision at a time, and every sober holiday is another reminder that you are capable of more than you may realize. Here at Mountain View Retreat, we understand that the sobriety journey is unique for every individual. This is why we prioritize compassionate and holistic addiction treatment at our facilities. For more information on our rehabilitation programs, please contact our team. For immediate assistance, please feel encouraged to call our 24/7 helpline.