Staying Sober During the Holidays: 5 Tips for Success

The holiday season is often a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness. However, for individuals navigating addiction recovery, it can also be a time of heightened stress and temptation. With social gatherings, family expectations, and the prevalence of alcohol, staying sober during the holidays can be challenging. Read on for practical strategies to help you enjoy the festivities while prioritizing your recovery.

1. Bring a Sober Friend or Family Member

Attending holiday gatherings can feel overwhelming, especially if alcohol is a central part of the festivities. Bringing a sober friend or family member can provide invaluable support. Having someone by your side who understands your goals not only creates accountability but also makes it easier to stay on track.

If you have a friend in recovery, consider attending events together. This partnership can create a mutual support system, ensuring that both of you have a safe and enjoyable holiday experience.

2. Practice How to Say “No”

Declining a drink can be one of the most daunting challenges during holiday events, especially if you haven’t openly discussed your recovery. Practicing how to say “no” in advance can make these moments less stressful.

Here are some examples to consider:

• “No, thank you. I’m driving tonight.”
• “I’m sticking to sparkling water—it’s my favorite!”
• “No, I’m not drinking these days.”

By preparing responses, you’ll feel more confident and less caught off guard when faced with these situations.

3. Bring Your Favorite Non-Alcoholic Beverages

Avoid temptation by arriving at gatherings prepared with your own beverages. Non-alcoholic options like sparkling water, mocktails, or even soda can help you stay comfortable without feeling left out.

Today, there are many non-alcoholic beers, wines, and spirits available that can provide a festive touch without compromising your sobriety. Bringing your own drinks ensures you always have an option you enjoy.

4. Continue Treatment During the Holidays

The holiday season can be long and filled with numerous gatherings. Maintaining your recovery routine is crucial to navigating this time successfully. Consider continuing outpatient treatment, attending therapy sessions, or joining 12-step meetings during the holidays.

Outpatient programs are particularly flexible, allowing you to balance recovery work with holiday activities. Even if formal treatment isn’t an option, staying connected to your recovery community through meetings or support groups can help you maintain structure and focus.

5. Have a Backup Plan

Despite your best efforts, some situations may become overwhelming. Having a backup plan ensures you can gracefully remove yourself from a challenging environment.

For instance, you might plan to leave early if a gathering becomes too stressful or have a trusted person you can call for support. Other backup options include attending a virtual support meeting or taking time to decompress with a relaxing activity.

Ongoing Addiction Recovery in Atlanta

Empowered Recovery Center in Atlanta is here to support you through the holiday season and beyond. Whether you’re currently in one of our outpatient programs or have graduated, our team is committed to helping you achieve lasting sobriety.

We offer various rehab programs tailored to meet your needs, including outpatient treatment, aftercare support, and one year of recovery coaching for alumni. If you’re ready to start or continue your recovery journey, we’re here to help.

Our rehab in Atlanta provides a safe and supportive environment for individuals in recovery. Contact us or visit our rehab admissions page or to learn more about how we can help you or a loved one this holiday season.