Navigating the holiday season when you’re in recovery can be a challenge, especially on days when drinking alcohol is a common activity, such as on New Year’s Eve. Woodland Recovery Center’s addiction treatment programs can offer the support and tools you need to stay sober during the holiday season, including on New Year’s Eve.
Our programs are designed to be inclusive and tailored to your needs so you can feel confident in your recovery journey. Call us today at 662.222.2989 to learn more about how our programs can support your recovery during a sober New Year’s Eve and beyond.
Tips for Staying Sober During the Holidays
Don’t underestimate the importance of a sober New Year’s Eve. Especially if you’re new to recovery, it can be tempting to think of holidays as special occasions that justify a drink. However, indulging in alcohol or drugs can jeopardize your progress and put you at risk for relapse. Here are some tips to help you stay sober during the holiday season:
1. Plan Your Activities in Advance
The holidays can be triggering for those in recovery. Alcohol is often a central element of family gatherings and work parties.
The best defense for holiday sobriety is a strong offense. Know in advance where you’ll go and what you’ll do on New Year’s Eve. If possible, avoid gatherings with alcohol entirely. If that’s impossible, identify what you’ll do instead of drinking. Planning to watch television programs, cook a meal, or play board games are all ways to have an established schedule laid out in advance.
Going with the flow on New Year’s Eve is usually a bad idea. It can be all too easy to suddenly find yourself in a bar or at a party. It’s much easier to avoid relapse if you’re vigilant about where you’ll go, what you’ll do, and who you’ll spend the evening with.
2. Choose a New Holiday Beverage
A central part of New Year’s Eve is staying up until midnight to toast the New Year. However, choosing sobriety doesn’t mean you have to give up all holiday traditions. Choose a new holiday beverage to toast in the New Year. Popular choices include:
- Apple cider
- Eggnog
- Sparkling apple juice
- Hot chocolate
A quick internet search will bring up countless recipes if you want something more interesting. Experiment with different flavors and find a new favorite that you can enjoy without risking relapse. You can also try making your mocktails, which are non-alcoholic cocktails that mimic the flavors and presentation of traditional drinks.
3. Make Recovery a Part of Your Celebration
Placing your recovery at the forefront helps keep your priorities straight. Plan to attend a support group meeting in person or online on New Year’s Eve. Many 12-step groups hold New Year’s Eve parties specifically to provide an avenue for holiday fun without the presence of alcohol.
If you still plan to meet up with friends or family who aren’t in recovery, put an escape route in place in case the evening doesn’t go as you planned. Choose a few trusted friends and offer to keep one another accountable for the evening. Use a group chat to check in throughout the night. This way, you’ll have an easy out if things get overwhelming.
4. Connect with Supportive Friends and Family
Surrounding yourself with supportive friends and family can make a huge difference during the holidays. Reach out to loved ones who understand your journey and will support you in staying sober on New Year’s Eve. You can also join recovery-focused online communities to connect with others navigating the sober holiday season.
Why Is It Important to Learn How to Stay Sober During the Holidays?
Staying sober during the holidays is a crucial part of maintaining your recovery journey. Holidays, especially New Year’s Eve, can be filled with triggers and temptations that pose a risk to sobriety.
Here is why it’s essential to learn how to stay sober during these times:
- Prevent relapse – The holiday season, with its merriment and celebrations, often involves alcohol. Knowing how to navigate these scenarios sober can help prevent a potential relapse.
- Mental health – Holidays can also be an emotionally taxing time. Staying sober can aid in managing these emotions effectively without resorting to substance use.
- Build resilience – Successfully navigating the holidays while maintaining sobriety can build resilience and empower you for future challenges.
- Healthy traditions – It allows you to create new, healthier traditions that don’t involve substance use, which can be carried forward into your life beyond the holiday season.
- Support network – The holiday season provides ample opportunities to bond with your support network, which can be crucial in maintaining sobriety.
Recovery will always be an ongoing journey, and learning how to stay sober during the holidays is a valuable skill that can benefit your overall well-being. Remember, you are not alone on this journey, and Woodland Recovery Center is here to support you every step of the way. Let us help make your sober New Year’s Eve a success.
Call Woodland Recovery Center for Help with Your Recovery During the Holidays
Woodland Recovery Center recognizes the significance of celebrating a sober New Year’s Eve. We also acknowledge that having support, understanding, and meaningful connections with fellow individuals in recovery can significantly enhance the likelihood of achieving long-lasting recovery from addiction.
Whether you’re ready to stop drinking or you’re already in recovery and need some extra support, Woodland Recovery Center is here to help. We are proud to have a strong alumni community of individuals who continue to support one another once treatment ends. Call us today at 662.222.2989 or contact us online to learn more about getting support with your sobriety during the holiday season at Woodland Recovery Center.
