We all need human connection, support, and validation. And it’s important to have someone to text or call if you find yourself struggling with alcohol cravings at a holiday event or in general. Try some of these festive holiday activities that don’t involve alcohol. Two US-based companies offer sober vacations to guests on board cruise liners and at various resorts around the world.
How to Talk to Loved Ones About Staying Sober
Seeing family, visiting old friends, having unfulfilled expectations, maybe missing a loved one you lost this year — it can all lead to tension and sadness, as well as thoughts of using. Plus, temptation seems to be everywhere…given all the holiday parties you might be expected to attend. You need to investigate and challenge the internal monologue about what you are owed and what you are lacking—some of which might be a carryover from addiction. Then you can break down those defensive walls and forgive other people, and you can approach the holiday season with a stronger sense of gratitude. On top of that, you can’t attend your home group meeting, and you haven’t heard from your sponsor in two days.
Tell Those You Trust That You’re in Recovery
Download these 8 easy-to-make nonalcoholic drink recipes. You don’t want to change your focus to thoughts of your drinking or using days. Finally, Murray of Hooked recommends that you research which bars and restaurants in sober holidays your destination have exciting nonalcoholic options. She has noticed an uptick in booze-free dining throughout Europe and the United States, and said she only expects sober travel to become easier in the coming years.
Brewing Change: Kit NA Brewing Announces ‘TUNED IN To Mental Health’ Initiative
Other tried and true stress busters are taking a walk in nature, journaling, or sharing your feelings with a loved one. Mindfulness https://ecosoberhouse.com/ is one particularly helpful strategy to combat stress. This technique involves staying in the moment and quieting your mind.
Be mindful of what you’re drinking—and thinking
It’s a great idea to sign up for Lauren’s newsletter to stay up to date too. The rise of sober travel comes amid changing attitudes around alcohol and its effects. When you take the opportunity to connect with others—to see, value and honor their experience—you exercise empathy. You exist outside of yourself, and you begin to notice all the blessings your life already contains. And it doesn’t get more human, or more recovery, than that.
- Jan. 1 has no intrinsic healing powers; any day an alcoholic decides to stop drinking is magic.
- You can create a relapse prevention map that you can refer to throughout the event.
- Check out here all the alcohol free holidays which I have managed to find so far.
- Prioritize your wellbeing and make up an excuse for your absences.
- Many sober people, including me, are fine with people bringing alcohol to any party or dinner they host.
For those in early recovery, life is planned around maintaining freedom from addiction. As such, taking a holiday can seem like a frightening prospect. The choosing of a place to stay, the packing, the travelling from A to B, the pressure to have a good time, and, most significantly, the prevention of relapse. There are many sober ‘firsts’ in recovery – first sober Christmas, first sober wedding, first sober date – which we cautiously consider to ensure we have enough support. Holidays need to be treated with the same care as a break from everyday life isn’t a break from recovery.
- “Attend gatherings with a friend who’s also sober or understands your journey,” Sultan said.
- Kit NA Brewing, an award-winning non-alcoholic beer beverage brand, is proud to announce the launch of its summer program, “Have A Kit, Share A Kit.” …
- At the recently opened Club Med Magna Marbella in Spain, the all-inclusive property has a Zen Pool with a bar that only offers alcohol-free cocktails for guests who want a break from drinking.
Recovery Coaching
- Having your own transportation home — whether it’s your own car, a ride-hailing service, or a sober friend — means you can leave when you want to leave.
- The bottom line is that a sober holiday is much more achievable when the added stress is brought down to a minimum.
- For a gift exchange, it can be fun to have a white elephant grab bag where everyone brings a gift for under ten dollars.
- Strive for a full night’s sleep most nights of the week.
- But on a scary, snowy night decades ago, the chaos of my mother’s drinking finally gave way to a real Christmas miracle.
- Keep your focus on your life right now, your life in recovery.
Frequent volunteers have a larger number of friends and a more robust support system.10 If you tend to feel lonely and isolated during the holidays, volunteering may help. DUI rates spike during the summer holidays, Christmas, and the New Year.3,4 During the summer holidays, many people suffer injuries as a result of social drinking. Barbecues or fireworks displays can be risky when operated by people who have used alcohol. Using a grill, lighter, or explosives while intoxicated can lead to severe burns. Keeping in touch with your support system throughout the holidays doesn’t just make for a merrier season.
Family and Children’s Programs
- If you are on a trip, and you want to start a meeting, you are free to do so.
- “Anything we put in front of our recovery will lose,” Rollins said.
- Drinking triggers are unique to each individual and it can be hard to resist the urge to partake when they crop up.
- Find an article about the best places to go for excellent alcohol-free drinks and eats in Amsterdam on Izzy’s article on My Bubbly Pop here.
- In other words, it’s easier than ever to cut back on alcohol or avoid it entirely when you travel, without making compromises on the overall experience.
People in recovery groups often pledge to accompany each other to parties or events. Taking a buddy to parties can provide you with extra accountability. Your buddy can also provide compassion, support, and gentle understanding. Many people find it easier to respond in the moment if they are not lying. If you feel this way, make plans to be the designated driver or to watch a friend’s children after the event. Then you can give a valid excuse without any hesitation.
