On the 2nd Day of Recovery my new life gave to me: life with less insanity

A large part of addiction recovery is learning skills and coping strategies to manage stress and overcome cravings. The holidays pose an entirely new set of stressors. Here are some tips to stay sane over the holidays.

1. Identify triggers– The holidays are times when people get together. So there’s a significant chance you’ll be around people who are using. Or it could also be a day when you feel lonely if you don’t have anywhere to go. Family and friend may not be supportive of your sobriety. If you can identify these triggers before they happen, you’re more likely to be able to manage them.
2. Be present– It’s easy to get overwhelmed. Practice being present and mindful. Focus on where you are and what you are feeling. Take it one day at a time.
3. Be grateful– Happy people are grateful people. Express your gratitude to those around you and be thankful for the gifts sobriety has given you.
4. Be honest– Don’t ignore or evade problems or feelings that arise. Focus on how you are actually feeling instead of how you should feel this holiday season. Being honest with yourself and those around you will help you manage cravings. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a breather, make a phone call to a friend or sponsor.
5. Take responsibility and have a plan– What are you going to do if someone offers you a drink? One drink won’t hurt, right? Having a plan will make it easier to say ‘no’. Bring your own non-alcoholic drinks to holiday parties. Avoid people who use your drug of choice.
6. Start new traditions- The holidays are filled with parties and excuses for people to let loose and drink. Take control of your holiday season and start your own traditions. Go ice skating, decorate a Christmas tree, host a board game night. The possibilities are endless. Surround yourself with supportive people and create new holiday traditions.
7. Keep sobriety your top priority- Staying sane means staying sober. Remember that you can’t afford to pick up a drink or drug no matter what. Do whatever you have to do to hang on to your sobriety.

 

How are you staying sane this holiday?

 

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As this year draws to a close we wanted to share with you our version of the 12 Days of Christmas. The 12 Months of Recovery was a video we made last holiday season to categorize some of the ways we can all be thankful for our recovery. Every day leading up to Christmas, we will be sharing the 12 Days of Recovery.