Many Americans suffer from drug and alcohol abuse. The holidays can be a particularly hard time to keep on track and stay sober. Holidays are fraught with emotional ups and downs. People feel stressed out, lonely and anxious during the holiday season. Everyone can experience the “holiday blues”. People are either too busy or not busy enough. They might be separated from their loved ones and this can lead to sadness. For people recovering from drug or alcohol abuse, the holidays may remind them of drug or alcohol fueled binges that occurred while celebrating holidays past. The good news is that if you plan ahead you can help to prevent the holiday blues, and perhaps a relapse.
It is important during the holidays to take care of yourself. It is easy to get out of your normal diet and exercise routine and over indulge. Make sure to get enough sleep and watch what you eat. Of course, you should enjoy yourself at the holidays, but maintaining your regular routine when you are able can help with the holiday blues. Make an effort to plan ahead to purchase gifts and attend holiday functions, so that you can lessen the stress of the holidays.
For many people, the holidays mean over eating and drinking, which can be triggers for a relapse. It is a good idea to find new ways to celebrate the season. You can even create new traditions and rituals that will give the holidays a fresh start. Try celebrating the season with friends who are also recovering or are sober. It is also a good idea not to tempt yourself. If there is a holiday function that centers on alcohol, for example, it is a good idea to avoid it and plan a sober activity for the same time.
The holidays can be challenging and stressful to everyone, not just people recovering from an addiction. Try to focus on the positives things that recovery has brought to you during the holidays. Spend time with family and friends, stay in your recovery treatment, and if possible, try to enhance your support group. Enjoy the holidays with loved ones in a healthy and sober way.