The holidays are an especially hard time for many recovering addicts due to the increased stress that affects people at this time of the year. If you are in recovery, you can stay a step ahead by recognizing that more triggering situations will be in the coming weeks. Stay close to your sponsor and look to others in your network for support. Additionally, you can use a few tricks to help you cope with the holidays in healthier ways.
Keep Yourself Busy
One thing that can trigger your cravings is loneliness or idle time. Rather than sitting around the house and letting your mind conjure memories of past substance use, look for ways to keep busy. You can help your relatives prepare for guests, or you can get out of the house. See if your elderly neighbors need someone to run errands for them—volunteer to feed the homeless at a local shelter. Look for a cause that’s important to you and get involved.
Carry a Drink With You
Recovering addicts can relapse during the holidays without intentionally drinking alcoholic beverages. It’s easy for someone to accidentally hand you an alcoholic beverage or for other guests at a party to serve you drinks containing alcohol. You can avoid these situations by keeping a drink with you. Choose a nonalcoholic drink that you enjoy, or you can simply carry a glass of water around just to keep something in your hand.
Avoid Triggering People
Some people can trigger a relapse without knowing that’s what they are doing. If someone is questioning you about your experience in rehab, look to mingle with others. If a particular relative makes you feel anxious or stressed, limit the time you spend with them. While the holidays help people get together with family, you should still be looking out for your own well-being by avoiding toxic people.
You should also take time for yourself and practice good self-care. If you’re feeling especially stressed, book a few hours at a day spa or hit the gym. Each day, you should have something to do that will help you unwind. Practice yoga, read a book or meditate. Looking for ways to alleviate stress each night will help you feel better about yourself, and you’ll be far less likely to relapse.