The holidays can be a difficult time for people struggling with addiction. Many triggers can lead to relapse, such as holiday parties and stress. It is essential to have sober activities planned to avoid these triggers. Family and friends who understand and can offer their support can also make a difference in staying on track with your recovery.
At Insight Recovery Centers, we understand the unique challenges of recovering from addiction during the holidays. We provide a supportive environment and access to resources, such as counseling and group therapy sessions, to help individuals in recovery navigate this season. Additionally, our recovery coaches are available for one-on-one support and can offer strategies for dealing with stress and cravings. Call 703.592.6946 or contact us online for more information about our alcohol addiction treatment program.
Spotting Common Holiday Triggers
Many triggers can lead to relapse during the holidays. Some common triggers include:
- Holiday parties with alcohol – While it can be challenging to avoid parties, setting boundaries and having a plan for handling the situation are helpful.
- Stress from family gatherings – Having supportive family members that understand addiction can help ease stress.
- Loneliness or isolation – Connecting with friends who are in recovery can help combat loneliness.
- Boredom – Having activities or hobbies planned can prevent boredom, which can lead to cravings.
- Depression – Mental health issues can be more pronounced during the holidays. It is important to reach out for support if needed.
If you are struggling with addiction, it is important to be aware of these triggers. Avoiding them can help you stay sober during the holidays.
5 Sober Activities for the Holidays
- Volunteer – Give back to your community this holiday season by volunteering at a local soup kitchen or food bank.
- Attend a holiday concert or play – Get into the holiday spirit by attending a holiday concert or play. Many cities have free concerts and plays around the holidays.
- Go ice skating – This is a fun activity you can do by yourself or with friends or family.
- Make gingerbread houses – This is a fun activity for all ages that does not involve alcohol. You can buy kits at most supermarkets.
- Take a hike – Enjoy the beautiful winter scenery by hiking with friends or family. This is a great way to get some exercise and fresh air.
Finding Support During the Holidays
The holidays can be difficult for people struggling with addiction, but help is available. If you feel like you are about to relapse, please reach out to one of the following resources:
- Call a recovery hotline – There are many hotlines available that provide 24/7 support for those struggling with addiction.
- Talk to your doctor or therapist – Your doctor can offer treatment and referrals to other resources if necessary.
- Attend a 12-step program meeting – Many communities have local meetings during the holidays.
- Reach out to family and friends – Having a supportive network of family and friends can make all the difference in your recovery.
Holiday Help from Insight Recovery Centers
Insight Recovery Centers offers several resources to help people struggling with addiction during the holidays, including:
- Intensive outpatient program (IOP) – Our IOP program provides access to counseling, group therapy sessions, and recovery coaching.
- One-on-one support – Our recovery coaches provide one-on-one support for individuals in the midst of the recovery process.
- Family workshops – We offer workshops to help families learn how to better support their loved ones in recovery.
- Aftercare program – Our aftercare program provides ongoing support to help individuals stay on track with their recovery.
- Group therapy – Our group therapy sessions provide a safe place for individuals to discuss their experiences and learn from one another.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, please reach out to us today for help or more ideas for sober activities. We are here for you and want to help you recover this holiday season. Call 703.592.6946 or contact us online to get started.