How to Stay Sober During the Holidays: 12 Days of Sober Holiday Tips for a Joyful Season Affect

This preparation can help you feel more secure and provide a safety net if you encounter challenges. Many recovery groups offer online meetings, allowing you to participate from anywhere in the world. This can be particularly helpful when traveling to areas where in-person meetings are scarce or when your schedule makes it alcohol rehab difficult to attend local gatherings. Set up specific times for calls or video chats with your sponsor or recovery friends before you leave. This structure helps maintain consistency in your recovery routine. Aim for at least two check-ins per week, adjusting as needed based on your travel schedule and time zone differences.

Sober travel: The ultimate guide to a hangover-free holiday!

Drinking triggers are unique to each individual and it can be hard to resist the urge to partake when they crop up. One thing that helps is thinking about the challenges of past holiday events so you can avoid the same pitfalls. It is easy to let the holiday demands and activities disrupt our daily patterns and routines. If you’ve been sober a long time, you may already have a go-to answer when confronted about why you don’t drink alcohol.

L.A. Affairs: I boldly gave a fun, mysterious guy my number. Could I refrain from Googling him later?

They often provide valuable insights into the destination’s suitability for alcohol-free vacations. After 14 years of active addiction, I got sober at Longbranch.” Meet Jenny Pearson. From the outside, she seemed to have it all together— she was a thriving stay-at-home mother with a happy family, and a picture-perfect life. But behind closed doors, Jenny was battling a hidden and escalating addiction….

Utilizing Online Support Groups

Integrating the principles of AA into these plans enhances their effectiveness, providing a holistic approach to ongoing recovery. Seeking advice from more experienced AA sober holidays members and utilizing tools like dynamic meeting schedules through the AA Meetings Directory ensures a comprehensive approach. This focus on community support during festivities fortifies one’s commitment, making it easier to resist the pervasive alcohol-centric celebrations typical of the holiday season.

• Moments when friends ask why you’re not indulging in the spiked eggnog, or insist that you participate in a champagne-fueled toast on New Year’s Eve.
• High expectations, excessive eating, and financial concerns are cited as some of the primary stressors.
• A hike, a camping trip, and the great outdoors make some of the best sober vacations.

They provide sustained energy and help maintain stable blood sugar levels throughout the morning. If someone pushes your boundaries, don’t feel https://www.firstcongchelsea.org/mash-minnesota-association-of-sober-homes/ bad about stepping away or leaving the situation altogether. Check out the Sober Powered Podcast to learn more about how alcohol affects the brain, how to handle cravings and triggers. One of the benefits of sober travel is the ability to be fully present in each moment. Without the haze of alcohol, you can truly immerse yourself in your surroundings and engage more deeply with others. The end of a holiday can be a vulnerable time for those in recovery.

• “I’m 30 months into my sobriety journey and happier than I’ve ever been in my entire life,” Sawyer said.
• Acknowledging and celebrating sober achievements during the holiday season is a profound way to reinforce one’s commitment to a sober lifestyle.
• Look for local events such as tree lighting, holiday markets, or concerts.

Whether you’re dealing with drug, alcohol, or other addictions, our sober holidays can provide the companionship and planning you need to maintain your sobriety. At CATCH Recovery, we offer support for individuals looking to enjoy a fulfilling and stress-free sober holiday. Whether you’re newly in recovery or seeking a break from environments that challenge your sobriety, we provide guidance to help you plan a holiday that prioritises your well-being.