The holidays are all about joy, laughter, and time spent with loved ones. Right? Well, not always. While the season is full of festive lights and holiday music, it can also bring unexpected challenges. Before you know it, you’re faced with a trigger that could push you to relapse! And if you’re in recovery, these triggers are the last thing you want to encounter.
In this blog post, we will look into common relapse triggers you might face during the holiday season. We’ll explore why these challenges pop up, explain how they can affect you, and most importantly offer practical advice to handle them. Whether you’re celebrating your first sober holiday or your tenth, knowing these triggers and how to manage them can help you stay on track and truly enjoy the season.
1) Stress from Family Gatherings
Family gatherings can be more stressful than they sound. Even if you love your family dearly, being around everyone at once can stir up emotions you may not be prepared for. There might be unresolved conflicts, awkward conversations, or that one family member who knows how to push your buttons. If you’re in recovery, this stress can quickly become a trigger, making it harder for you to focus on staying sober.
To handle this, plan ahead. If you know certain family topics tend to get heated, steer clear of them or set boundaries before attending the gathering. Practice deep breathing or meditation before heading over. It’s also okay to step away during the event like taking a quick walk outside or spend a moment in a quiet room to reset.
2) Excessive Holiday Spending
Between gifts, travel, decorations, and meals, you might feel trapped under a mountain of bills during the holiday season. The pressure to spend can be overwhelming, especially if you’re trying to rebuild financially in recovery. That stress can make excuses like “I deserve a drink” pop into your mind.
Keep your holiday spending in check with a solid budget. By keeping things simple, you’ll stay focused on what really matters this season. Homemade gifts, like baked goods or framed pictures, can be just as meaningful as something from a fancy store. When it comes to meals and parties, potlucks are your best friend. Sharing the cost and effort with others eases the burden and brings a sense of community.
3) Social Events with Alcohol
Holiday parties and social events might seem like holiday cheer overload, but they can create tough situations for someone in recovery. Whether it’s co-workers hosting open bars or friends who keep topping off glasses, the pressure to drink or use is real. You may find yourself thinking, “Just one drink won’t hurt,” even when you know that’s not true.
What you can do is to choose the events you attend wisely. If you know a particular event will be too triggering, it’s okay to decline the invitation. You can also bring along a sober friend or let the host know beforehand that you’ll be staying sober. Have a plan for when someone offers you a drink and practice saying “no” without feeling guilty. Remember, your sobriety is your top priority.
4) Feeling the Holiday Blues
Not everyone feels surrounded by love during the holidays. For some people, this time of year highlights loneliness or how far they feel from others. Maybe you’re missing family, grieving past relationships, or just feeling disconnected. These emotions can grow heavy if left unchecked, increasing the risk of turning to old habits for comfort.
To combat loneliness, focus on connecting in any way that feels right to you. Reach out to friends, attend recovery meetings, or even volunteer at a local charity where you can give back and meet people. You’d be surprised at how much comfort a heartfelt conversation can bring.
5) People from Your Past
Suddenly bumping into someone from your past, who you may have partied with or had a destructive relationship with, can bring up a lot of emotions. You may feel triggered or even pressured to engage in old habits. It’s important to remember that people change and it’s okay to keep distance from those who aren’t supportive of your recovery.
If you do end up running into someone from your past, it’s okay to politely acknowledge them and move on. Don’t feel obligated to catch up or engage in activities that make you uncomfortable. Remember, your well-being comes first and staying strong in your recovery is the most important thing. Surround yourself with positive and supportive people who understand the importance of your sobriety during this time.
Best Redlands, CA Addiction Rehab for Drug and Alcohol Addiction
Relapse during the holidays may be common but it is not completely unavoidable. With the right strategies, you can prepare yourself for triggers that could lead to a relapse and go through the holiday season with success. However, if you do happen to relapse, don’t be too hard on yourself. Recovery is a journey and slip-ups can happen. It’s important to seek support from your loved ones and professionals to get back on track.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction during the holidays, seeking help is very important. At Liberty House Recovery, our goal is to help you get the treatment you deserve in a space that is safe and supportive. Our addiction rehab in Redlands, CA offers customized treatment plans to fit each individual’s needs. Reach out to us today to learn more about our addiction treatment services.