16 Nov 8 Tips for Staying Sober | Holiday Edition
The leaves outside glow and radiate colors of gold, orange, and red. The crisp air greets me as I start my day. And the fog softens the noise and enhances the beauty of nature all around me. These can only mean one thing; Fall is finally here.
Celebrations, spending time with friends and family – is what this season is all about. And wanting to make up for lost time and celebrate being together again can allow temptations to creep back in. At Olalla Recovery Center, we are here to help you succeed in your sobriety journey. So we have curated eight key strategies that will support you in your recovery, all while still enjoying the season.
Bring a sober friend with you to the party. Build your community by helping each other out and sharing experiences. If someone offers you a drink or asks about your abstinence, have a friendly response ready.
2. Know Your Triggers
Know what sets you off and avoid it. It is better to make a polite excuse than to lose all the ground you have worked so hard to gain.
3. Make Wise Choices
Focus on the gatherings that are the most important to you. You do not need to avoid all celebrations, but you can decide which ones work best for you and your recovery.
4. Just Say No
Sometimes it is best to avoid temptation entirely. You always have a choice. And it is okay to decline an invitation to reduce the risk of relapse.
If you need to get away from a situation that challenges your sobriety, bring your own transportation. And if you do not have means of transportation, make sure to have a backup plan. Call in an Uber or a Lift.
6. BYOB
Help to avoid temptations by bringing your own drink to the party. Feeling at ease and having a good time, all while staying sober, is the goal. Remember, you are in control of the controllable. You’ve got this!
7. Host A Party
Bring the party to you! Invite your clean and sober friends over for a potluck, game night, or a fun theme of your choice. If you don’t have the space, ask friends or family if they would like to co-host a party at their place with you. This offers a fun and collaborative option to host a party together.
8. Stay Connected
After so many months of isolation, we all want to be together again. Plan activities with your family and close non-drinking friends. Create new and healthy habits to replace your old ones. Take a cooking class or join an exercise or art group. Make it fun and stay connected to those who mean a lot to you.
Celebrate your sobriety, the end of COVID isolation, your supportive family and friends, and reaffirm your commitment to being clean and sober. By staying positive and focused on your goals, you can foster a healthy environment, all while staying true to your recovery.
Remember that this is your life journey. You can do this. And if you ever need help, Olalla Recovery Center is here for you.
CALL ANYTIME: 1-800-882-6201 to talk to someone 24/7
FIND A MEETING: Go here to search for an AA meeting near you or a virtual one.
Enjoy the season, and we hope these tips find you well.