Find Joy in the Journey: Strategies for Sober Holidays

The holiday season is upon us, and this time of year can be incredibly challenging for many people on their recovery journeys. Holidays can be stressful and can bring up a host of triggers that can be difficult to navigate. Compounding the holiday stresses are further temptations at parties and gatherings. For people recovering from drug or alcohol addiction, this time of year can be a challenge to their recovery.

However, by planning ahead, you can find the joy in the season and maintain your sobriety. Keep reading for strategies for sober holidays.

Five Strategies for Holiday Sobriety

Being prepared for the holiday season can help you navigate triggers and stressors that could compromise your sobriety. 

1. Stay connected to your recovery community. This could be anything from finding a meeting if you’re traveling out of town, planning to check in with a sober friend or your sponsor, or hitting a meeting or group session before you head to your event.
2. Maintain your routine. Routines are essential to recovery, but the holiday season throws a wrench into your regular to-do list. If you can’t stick to your everyday routine, stick to the parts you can, such as attending meetings, calling your sponsor or trusted friends, and working out. This way, you can stay on track until the season’s chaos has passed.
3. BYOB. If you know you’re going to an event that may be serving alcohol, for instance, plan to bring your own beverage, like a soda or water, with you. If someone asks you if you need a drink, you can politely decline their offer.
4. Embrace the “Irish exit.” You are not obligated to attend any events or gatherings if you don’t want to; however, sometimes it can feel like you are. If you have to go to the office holiday party or a family dinner, put in an appearance and then make your exit.
5. BYOFriend. If you can’t skip the family feast or your boss expects to see you at the office party, bringing a sober friend with you can be immensely helpful. Having a sober buddy with you is a built-in support network — and an escape plan if you feel like the event is getting beyond your comfort zone.

Should I Tell People I’m in Recovery?

Your recovery story is your own, and whether or not you tell other people is up to you. It’s likely that your close friends and family already know that you’re in recovery, but what should you do if you’re at a work or other event with people (or distant family members) you don’t know well?

It can be tricky to navigate the waters of what — and when —  to share about your sobriety. When and how much you disclose is up to you. Some things you can say include:

“I’m in recovery.”
“I don’t drink or use drugs.”
“I’m recovering from a substance use disorder.”
“I’m in addiction recovery.”

If you have an overcurious uncle or co-worker who presses you for more information than you’re comfortable with, having clear boundaries will help you. Simply reply, “I’m uncomfortable sharing more than that right now.”

How Can I Support My Loved One in Recovery?

If you love someone in recovery and want to celebrate the holidays with them, the most important thing you can do is ask them what they need. Some people who have been in recovery for a while are perfectly fine at a event. Other folks may prefer to avoid attending any function where drugs or alcohol may be present. Some tips for supporting your loved one in recovery during the holidays include:

• If you’re hosting an event and plan on serving alcohol, giving your recovering family member a heads up and letting them opt out of attending without guilt is a great option.

• Invite them to bring a friend. It can be helpful for your loved one to have a sober buddy with them at gatherings, so encourage that plus-one.

• Let them know a stop-in is fine. Don’t make your loved one feel they must stay for the whole party. If they’re only feeling up to a brief hello and even quicker goodbye, accept their limits.

• Host a sober event. If it’s important to you to spend time with your loved one, simply leaving substances out of the celebration can make it easier for them to accept your invitation.

• Offer a helping hand. Your loved one may feel overwhelmed by the holiday season’s pressure. If you’ve got the room on your plate to help, offer to take on some of their load, whether watching kids, helping bake, or driving them to a meeting.

Getting Help for Addiction During the Holidays

The greatest gift you can give yourself or your loved ones is recovery. If you’re struggling with alcohol or drug use, there is help. Reach out to our navigators at today to learn more about our different levels of care. If you’re worried about paying for rehab, our navigators can discuss rehab payment options and help you verify your insurance coverage for addiction recovery.