As we head into the winter months, we also approach the season of cheer and good tidings. Thanks to our drinking culture, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s are all holidays people typically celebrate with parties and alcohol. If you’re in recovery from drug or alcohol addiction, you may feel anxious about staying safe and sober during this time. Being surrounded by liquor and among friends who are trying to coax you into drinking with them is the last thing you need after you’ve worked so hard to get to where you are now.
But if you prepare now for the upcoming season, you may have an easier time navigating obstacles so you can have fun while prioritizing your sobriety. Our team at Mount Sinai Wellness Center has some tips for you to keep in mind so the rest of this year goes without a hitch.
1. Have a Strategy to Handle Pushy People
There’s always that person who enjoys pushing others to drink or use drugs at a party. If someone offers you alcohol and you decline, be prepared for them to ask “why not?” or continue pressuring you. It’s important to know that you owe no one an explanation for why you don’t want to drink. You could even give them an excuse like “I’m driving tonight.” If they persist, you can always walk away.
2. Surround Yourself with People Who Support Your Recovery
Spending time with loved ones who understand what you’ve gone through and what you need during this time is crucial, especially during the holidays. Your friends can accompany you to parties to ensure you’re staying safe, or your group can plan holiday activities that have nothing to do with alcohol or drugs whatsoever.
3. Address Your Triggers and Plan Your Healthy Coping Mechanisms
The holiday season may be full of triggers that can lead you to drink or use drugs again. By talking about these triggers with a therapist or loved one, you can understand where they come from and why they might tempt you. From there, you can access your sobriety toolkit and have a response ready in case you feel overwhelmed. The skills you learned in your treatment program are specifically designed for you to use during these moments.
4. Remember You Can Always Leave
Many people feel obligated to attend parties and other events, and then stay long to fulfill any social obligation they think they have. It’s important to remember that your safety is key. If you’re feeling uncomfortable for any reason, it’s okay to put yourself first and leave early. If you have friends around, they will understand and can help you make your exit.
We Have a Plan for Each Stage of Recovery
Mount Sinai Wellness Center offers comprehensive inpatient treatment for people seeking to address and overcome their addiction. Our medically supervised programs treat addictions including alcohol and drugs, such as heroin, cocaine, prescription pills, and fentanyl. Our holistic approach to treatment also equips patients with the healthy coping mechanisms they can use once they’ve completed treatment, including yoga, tai chi, and nutritional classes.
Our team knows that recovery doesn’t end once you’ve completed your treatment program. We work with individuals and families to create thorough, personalized aftercare programs so our patients are set up for success. Recovery is a lifelong process that comes with many challenges, but going down this path can be made easier when you have support.
Reach out to our team online or by phone at (800) 353-4673 to learn more about our facility and the various addictions we treat. In addition to inpatient programs, we can continue to support you through aftercare options.
