After completing your addiction treatment program, you should look towards maintaining sobriety. While this is commendable, you need to understand recovery is a long-term process. During the holidays, those in early sobriety stages can encounter stressful situations and triggers. Learning how to handle temptation will help you focus on sobriety and avoid returning to your previous life. Midwest Recovery Center can help you enjoy sober thanksgiving after alcohol addiction.
Get Support for a Sober Thanksgiving After Alcohol Addiction
A sober thanksgiving enables you to continue with abstinence while embracing the holiday. For the best experience, do not engage friends who consume alcohol and other intoxicating substances. Plan and surround yourself with supportive people, such as loved ones and sober friends you meet in rehab.
A sponsor can assist you in planning for a sober thanksgiving in various ways, including:
- Going to the theatre for a movie
- Shopping
- Participating in social events
- Having a solemn home thanksgiving
- Hosting a game night
You can also maintain sobriety by communicating your situation to friends and family members. Sharing your sobriety needs can make your host exclude alcoholic drinks from the party.
Maintaining Sobriety Is Your Priority
If you are looking to stay sober, focus on avoiding drugs and alcohol, no matter the situation. Avoid attending parties that may lead to drinking. If you get temptations to start drinking, remember your previous challenges and the consequences of relapse. If you know everyone will consume alcohol during the thanksgiving, and some people may even insist you take a drink, find other alternatives for spending the day.
Many reunion events involve binge drinking, putting you in a risky situation. In most cases, there is heavy drinking the night before thanksgiving. Understand the event’s context and safeguard your sobriety by avoiding circumstances and individuals who may make you drink. You may be the only person who knows your troubles with alcohol and drugs.
Consider a Self-Care Plan
After completing a residential treatment program, individuals continue facing challenging situations. While you may feel happy to celebrate with your loved ones, do not forget the possibility of social anxiety and uncomfortable feelings. Self-care skills can help you during a sober thanksgiving after alcohol addiction.
According to experts, exercises like yoga and meditation can help those struggling with substance abuse to achieve their recovery goals. Doing this before the start of the event can reduce stress and boost energy levels.
Fortunately, therapists can equip you with vital life skills to handle difficult situations. While helping you create a customized self-care plan, therapists often incorporate several scientifically-from proven programs, including:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Intensive outpatient program (IOP)
- Alcohol addiction treatment
- Partial hospitalization program (PHP)
- Family therapy program
- Group therapy program
Consider Your Drinks and Meals
While the thanksgiving host may provide non-alcoholic drinks, this is not always the case. Some people may forget that not a guest is interested in drinking alcohol. Having your non-alcoholic beverages at hand is a sure way to avoid uncomfortable situations.
Some of the choices to consider, depending on your preferences, include flavored water, herbal tea, and sparkling cider.
Do not ignore healthy eating, which is critical during a sober thanksgiving after alcohol addiction. Some people may forget their diet plans and indulge in binge eating; if you want to avoid this, practice mindfulness to concentrate on what is happening throughout, including what you eat. Your diet can affect your mental health, hence triggering a relapse.
Contact Midwest Recovery Center for Sober Holidays
It is common for some people to relapse during their recovery journey. While these tips can help prevent the situation, professional intervention is the best way to handle mental health disorders. Our therapists can help you receive much-needed treatment and learn the vital skills for a sober thanksgiving after alcohol addiction. Call Midwest Recovery Center at 833.627.0039 for more advice on how to celebrate holidays during recovery.
