Surviving the Holidays: Recovery Tools for Thanksgiving

The holiday season is known for being full of joy, love, and warmth. For many people, it is also a challenging time of the year. From financial struggles to stressful family dynamics and holiday parties, the i season can be overwhelming, especially for someone in recovery.

Still, the holidays can be meaningful and enjoyable with the right tools. Here are a few practical ways to support your recovery this season.

Maintain Your Routine

During the holidays, regular schedules can be difficult to maintain. However, keeping a routine is critical in maintaining recovery, especially during chaotic times. Stay connected to your support system, attend appointments, and make time for rest. Put yourself, and your recovery, first.

Skip Triggering Events

The best way to manage triggers is to avoid them. Choosing to skip parties or family gatherings that involve drinking or substance use is completely valid. Protecting your recovery matters more than meeting others’ expectations,

Create a Plan for Potentially Triggering Situations

It is always best to pass on triggering events. However, sometimes stressful situations are unavoidable.  Having aplan ahead of timr can make all the difference. For example:

• Keeping your counselor or recovery support person on speed dial
• Bringing your own non-alcoholic beverages
• Stepping out of the room for a few minutes
• Hanging around someone who has your back
• Finding an activity to distract yourself
• Excusing yourself to a private area to meditate

Plan on How You’ll Say “No” to Drinking

Being offered a drink while in recovery can be uncomfortable and triggering. It’s important to set boundaries with others and be direct about your sobriety. Think of some strategies for saying “no” before you attend the party.

Give Help to Others

Instead of attending parties, find places where you can volunteer to help others. Lend a helping hand to your community at organizations like soup kitchens, churches, homeless shelters, animal shelters, and more. Invite someone who may feel  lonely to share a meal, or check in on friends who are in recovery.

Engage in Sober Thanksgiving Fun

There are plenty of fun ways to celebrate Thanksgiving sober. Whether with family, friends, or solo, try participating in activities such as:

• Cooking a delicious Thanksgiving dinner
• Hosting a sober Thanksgiving meal
• Baking pie, cookies, and other pastries
• Creating fun arts and crafts
• Watching football
• Playing board games with friends or family
• Cozying up with a holiday movie
• Watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
• Sharing gratitude notes
• Taking a hike or going for a fall walk

Call BrightView

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or triggered, , call BrightView Health at 888-501-9865. Our team of compassionate, understanding individuals is  available 24/7 and will help you through the situation. If needed, schedule an appointment at the closest center and let us help you through the recovery process.

Recovery is possible, even in the most stressful of times, if you stick to your plan and support yourself with the right tools. It is okay to put yourself first. With support, planning, and self-compassion, you can move through the holiday season while protecting your recovery. We’re in this together.

Image from Adobe Stock.