If you’re facing a holiday schedule full of parties and events, just remember that you don’t have to attend any of them. It’s not your job to make sure everyone has a perfect Christmas, despite what you may feel due to loved ones’ and friends’ expectations. Your health and sobriety is more important than making other people happy by attending every event you’re invited to. If you’re in inpatient treatment over the holidays, it’s easy to feel lonely, or like you’re missing out on festivities. First and foremost, it’s important to remember the reasons why you’re attending treatment in the first place. One of these reasons likely includes becoming healthier for your family, friends and loved ones.
- Simple things, like parking down the street so that your car doesn’t get blocked into a driveway, can be a massive help in these times.
- Filling your days with meaningful, rewarding activities that involve being around other people will help you avoid both.
- Have a plan for saying “no” to offers of drugs or alcohol, especially when people ask why you aren’t partaking or are pressuring you.
- Individuals in early recovery are likely involved with an intensive treatment program.
- It should be noted, though, that these beverages generally do include small amounts of alcohol.
- The holiday season is known to bring about various emotional triggers pertaining to the areas of substance abuse and trauma.
By spending time together, you create an all-new family that is built on love and the principles of recovery. My first holiday season in recovery was an emotional roller coaster. As those who have struggled with addiction can understand, being around family during the holidays is hard.
For young people in recovery
A feeling of pride about your sobriety is a beneficial attitude to have because it will motivate you to continue with your sobriety and not be as likely to relapse. You do not have to brag or share your feelings with others if you do not want https://ecosoberhouse.com/ to, but an inward sense of accomplishment is very good protection against relapse. One of the best ways to flip your perspective on its head is to be of service. Well, during the holidays, we’ll be surrounded by these opportunities!
Know what you’re up against, and be honest with your close supportive friends, counselor, and sponsor. It is paramount so you can develop a plan for the holidays that will support your recovery. Kendall realized he was resentful at his wife for not letting him drink the way he wanted to. Beyond tips, Odette suggests really focusing on effective communications.
Urge Coping
These varied and pronounced emotional experiences, coupled with the change in daily routines and plethora of holiday parties, may pose challenges to those in recovery from addiction. However, we can make intentional decisions to support our community https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/reframing-holidays-in-early-recovery/ members in recovery as we navigate the holiday season. As you prepare for the upcoming holidays, do it with support and awareness. Utilize the above coping tools and self-care strategies to support your early recovery during the holidays.
Lastly, individuals in recovery must address sober networking opportunities to protect their sobriety throughout the holidays. In addition to support groups, there are likely a plethora of sober holiday events and gatherings taking place in communities across the United States. Consider volunteering or planning and hosting a sober gathering.
Tips for People Who Completed Rehab or Are in Recovery
Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) is indicated for the treatment of opioid dependence in adults. Suboxone should not be taken by individuals who have been shown to be hypersensitive to buprenorphine or naloxone as serious adverse reactions, including anaphylactic shock, have been reported. Taking Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) with other opioid medicines, benzodiazepines, alcohol, or other central nervous system depressants can cause breathing problems that can lead to coma and death. Other side effects may include headaches, nausea, vomiting, constipation, insomnia, pain, increased sweating, sleepiness, dizziness, coordination problems, physical dependence or abuse, and liver problems. For more information about Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) see Suboxone.com, the full Prescribing Information, and Medication Guide, or talk to your healthcare provider. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of drugs to the FDA.