Recovering from drug or alcohol addiction can be challenging at the best of times. However, for those in recovery, the holidays often represent the danger of relapse. In this article we take a look at how it is possible to enjoy the Holidays’ festivities without risking your sobriety.

Common Triggers for Relapse during the Holidays

Many people who have abused drugs or alcohol have done so because they found it difficult to deal with a stressful situation, a trauma or mental illness. This means they are exposed to triggers for substance abuse at any time, although naturally during the holidays this is heightened. Some of the most common triggers for relapse at this time of year include the following:

• Stressful family gatherings

• Loneliness

• Managing financial pressures (parties, gifts, travel, etc.)

• Constant exposure to alcohol and people under the influence during festivities

How to Stay Sober During the Holidays

Although it is difficult to maintain sobriety during the holidays, it is certainly not impossible if you take the following advice:

Manage your recovery schedule – One of the issues with holidays for people in recovery is that naturally their therapists are likely to take a break too. Support groups may reschedule meetings to allow for days off too. It’s important to find out where you can easily call on support during the holidays to help you stay sober in the face of temptation.

Bring a supportive friend – It’s always better to go to a party with someone in tow who completely understands the situation. One of the difficulties many recovering addicts find is that people who don’t know will actively encourage them to join in with the festive drinking. Having someone on hand to act as a buffer so that you don’t draw unnecessary attention to your abstinence is a good defense.

Just say “no” – Holiday celebrations are not compulsory and so if you know there is going to be alcohol at the event or people using drugs, you can avoid it altogether. If you have no choice but to go to a work event for example, make it clear beforehand that you will not be drinking and stick to your guns.

Be a designated driver – One way to ensure you don’t indulge at all during the holidays is to be the person driving everyone else around. This means you have other people with a vested interest in you remaining sober and you’ll find more support at any festive events or celebrations.

Get Treatment for Alcohol or Drug Addiction at Capo Canyon Recovery near Aliso Viejo, CA

If you are struggling with an addiction, Capo Canyon Recovery can help. Our detox and rehab programs help you to find your way through the festive period with advice on staying sober at Christmas parties and other social events throughout the year. Find out how to protect your sobriety and how to avoid relapse with specialist addiction treatment in Laguna Niguel, CA.