The Holidays can be a wonderful and joyous time of the year, but it can also be stressful. For many in early recovery the Holidays can jeopardize their recovery… Here are some tips I have used throughout my recovery to ensure my recovery comes first during the Holidays.
1. Keep working your program of recovery (Meetings, fitness, meditation, etc). REMEMBER!!! We are STILL powerless over our addiction – Too many people let this slip from their mind when they are suddenly presented with a drinking opportunity during the Holidays.
2. You still can’t control it… We often hear voices that tell us it would be different this time.
3. One is too many, 100 is not enough. Rarely do we have one drink and stop. Don’t listen to the inner addict.
4. You don’t deserve it… We tell ourselves this after periods of sobriety, and quite often when we are with friends and family.. You DESERVE serenity and that is the opposite of what comes with addiction.
5. You DO NOT need to go to any party or place you feel vulnerable – Your recovery is way too important to risk it by being somewhere you are vulnerable.
6. You DO NOT have to justify your recovery – Some like to talk about their recovery, but you don’t have to, and you don’t have to feel the need to justify it.
7. Remember you don’t have to go anywhere just to please someone else – If a friend or relative gets upset because you avoid a party they will get over it… YOU may never get over a relapse
8. Have Sober Strategies in Place – Develop a plan to protect your sobriety ahead of any holiday event and activity that could potentially trigger a relapse.
9. Practice your conscious contact with your higher power – Listen to God, you will find the guidance if you listen.
10. Be Mindful of What You’re Drinking—and Thinking – At social gatherings, it might be helpful to always have a beverage in hand so people aren’t constantly offering you a drink.
11. Avoid Known Risks – If Cousin Eddie will insist that you have “one” drink, stay away from him. If the office Holiday party is really all about drinking, make a brief appearance or don’t attend (remember rules 1-8).
12. Practice and schedule Self-care – meditation, exercise and rest can do wonders for your well-being.
Happy Holidays in #Recovery
We Do Recover 