Navigating the holidays with alcohol use disorder (AUD) isn’t simple. Everywhere you turn, you may encounter others drinking, celebrating, or drowning their worries in alcohol. If you are in alcohol addiction recovery, there are several steps you can take to prepare for a season of celebration and sobriety.
At Iron Bridge Recovery Center, we are here for you whenever you need us. Consider the following strategies based on what you’re facing today.
Family Dynamics and Addiction
The holidays often mean family gatherings and lots of time outside of your comfort zone. Recognize that, good or bad, your AUD isn’t going to just navigate dysfunctional family dynamics on its own. Consider these tips:
- Set boundaries early on. If someone causes you trauma or harm, or creates strain, say no. Your emotional well-being is far more important than keeping others happy. Make it clear what you can and cannot handle.
- Always have a way out. When things get tough, you need a way to remove yourself from the situation. That may simply be as simple as telling family members you may have to leave early for another engagement, or having a friend text you that they need help.
If family is important to you and healing old wounds is possible, make this the year you get into family therapy. That could mean simply connecting with a few close family members and asking them to attend family therapy with you.
These steps help you avoid the risk of addiction resurgence due to family stress and strain.
Social Gatherings and Addiction
Another common situation for those with AUD during the holidays is handling social gatherings. You shouldn’t feel like you have to drink or that you have to explain to others why you are not having a drink. Still, these types of events can lead to peer pressure and temptation. Here are some strategies to help you navigate the process:
- Bring support with you. Choose an unfailing friend who will not let you down. Choose someone who is supportive of your journey towards recovery. They can help you remove yourself from a situation that isn’t healthy for you.
- Develop a plan. If you feel that you must attend the event, have a clear exit strategy. Choose to be polite and decline events that you cannot shoulder. Remember that if you do head to an event, you do not have to stay beyond a time that makes you uncomfortable.
If the social event is up to you, consider alternatives to traditional holiday parties. You may want to attend specifically sober holiday events or plan your own. Look for activities to engage in that are meaningful in your community that don’t require alcohol.
Financial Strain and Addiction
One area that may not get as much attention as others is the turmoil and struggles that come with financial stress. The holidays are the prime time to feel overwhelmed by what you cannot do for financial reasons, leading you down the wrong path. Financial stress can be an addiction trigger for addictive behaviors to rear their head. Consider these coping strategies:
- Create a budget. Then, stick with it. Creating a budget for the holiday season allows you to prioritize what is most important to you now. Then, find a way to cut back on those other activities that are simply too costly.
- Get creative instead of spendy. Sometimes the best gifts are really personalized or simply thoughtful presents. That’s especially true of adults who seem to have everything. Consider a financially less demanding strategy to help you through this process.
This can also be a good time to take another step in your addiction recovery. Seek financial support and guidance. Often, learning to rebuild your health creates a need to make financial education a priority as well. No matter what route you are on right now, seek resources to help you strengthen your financial future. That could be through consumer education programs, in-community workshops, or educational opportunities to expand earning potential.
This Holiday Season, Don’t Forget About You
Coping with addiction triggers during the holidays can be difficult. They can seem to be everywhere. Getting support for yourself during the holidays is not something to put off. It could be exactly what you need to move your life forward. Living in recovery and avoiding relapse means doing good things for your mental health. But if you cannot do so and you find yourself thinking about using substances, reach out for immediate help. We are here for you.
Set Up Some Time to Talk to Us
Now is the ideal time to learn more about your opportunities. Set up a time to speak to our team at Iron Bridge Recovery Center. We’re here for you throughout the holidays this year. Contact us now.
