Ten Ways to Avoid Holiday Addiction Relapse

Learn the best ways to avoid holiday addiction relapse with the help of WhiteSands Treatment Center

Holiday season is a wonderful time for people to celebrate their faith and gather with family and friends. It is a time for celebrations, parties and get-togethers, and there may be drinking alcoholic beverages or taking drugs at some of these functions. If you are a recovering addict, you should familiarize yourself with these ten ways to avoid holiday addiction relapse. The following can help you remain sober and enjoy the holiday season too:

  1. Planning ahead is the most important thing to remember. If you are the type that gets sentimental, lonely or sad during the holidays, make it your business to be with other people and don’t isolate yourself. Know what you are going to be doing every day during the holidays, and have a back-up plan, so that you will not be caught off-guard or disappointed.
  2. Don’t allow people to place unrealistic demands on you and stress you out. Learn how to say no to anything that you feel uncomfortable with, and that includes attending functions that you feel may compromise your sobriety. Don’t let anyone victimize you with feelings of guilt or selfishness because they did not get their way. Your sobriety is not about them, it’s about you and it is your primary concern.
  3. Keep a list handy of your holiday relapse prevention tips and memorize them. Always be prepared with an exit strategy just in case you find yourself in a difficult situation or among toxic people. And bring your own beverages to any party that does not serve non-alcoholic drinks.
  4. To enjoy the holidays and recovery from addiction, keep attending your peer support group meetings and visit with your counselor to discuss anything that is on your mind. Stay in the loop by spending time with family and friends who support your recovery and encourage you to stay on the right path. Your base of support offers you the extra strength you need to accomplish your holiday relapse prevention goals.
  5. Keep the acronym HALT on your bathroom mirror, refrigerator or wherever you are sure to see it often. And remember to avoid the stumbling blocks it warns you about: hunger, anger, loneliness and tiredness. Keep yourself properly hydrated, nutritiously fed and well rested. Have an exercise routine to strengthen the body and get the endorphins flowing. Exercise is good for the body, mind and spirit.
  6. If you must attend family or business functions that may be risky, bring along a trusted friend to keep an eye on you. If you are in early recovery and begin to flirt with temptations or triggers, have your friend remove you to a place where you are safe and out of the danger zone. Part of your holiday relapse prevention plan is to avoid people that drink too much or do drugs like the plague. Don’t put yourself in harm’s way, especially if you are still vulnerable.
  7. Another way to avoid holiday addiction relapse in to take a vacation, or spend time doing something that will lift your spirits. Ask a trusted friend to join you for a night at the theater, or go shopping, out to dinner, or go on a cruise or skiing. Whatever activity tickles your fancy just might become a favorite item on your holiday relapse prevention list. Have fun and enjoy life.
  8. Spend time with those people and activities that you enjoy, and rid yourself of resentment and anger toward anyone or anything. If you learn to forgive others and yourself, you will be able to release a lot of unwanted pain. Celebrate the holidays and recovery from addiction, by putting the past behind you and focusing on a new beginning and a better life for yourself.
  9. Practice your faith in God and be renewed by His love, guidance, protection and peace. You can rejoice and be glad because God is with you always. The more time you spend with Him, the more refreshed and renewed you will become.
  10. Learn to love yourself by being kind to yourself, and taking care of all your needs physically, psychologically, emotionally and spiritually.

 
Life is a gift to be enjoyed, so keep focusing on the positive and stay connected to your faith to get you through the difficult moments. Stay the course and you will be able to enjoy the holiday season by remembering these ten ways to avoid holiday addiction relapse. Be safe and be happy.

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.

About the Author

is a proud alumni member of WhiteSands Treatment. After living a life of chaos, destruction and constant let downs, Mark was able to make a complete turnaround that sparked a new way of life. He is serious about his recovery along with helping others. At WhiteSands Treatment, we offer support to you in your homes or when you are out living in your daily lives.