For many families, bottles of wine are as much of a part of Thanksgiving as the turkey. When you’re in recovery, this can make a sober Thanksgiving challenging. The holidays are one of the most stressful times of years for many people. Cravings may flare up as family stress rises, and it can be hard to use your coping mechanisms when alcohol is staring you in the face. Let’s take a look at some tips to help you stay sober throughout the holiday season.
Sober Thanksgiving Tips
Get to a meeting!
It can be easy to skip this vital tip on holidays. You may be traveling or trying to bounce from house to house to see multiple family members. It’s important to put your recovery first, though, no matter how busy your schedule may be. Go to a meeting first thing in the morning, or squeeze one in while family members are taking their post-turkey nap. When you surround yourself with like-minded people for even part of the day, you’ll find that it’s easier to stay on track.
Ask for support.
If you feel comfortable, it’s ok to ask your family to keep the wine in storage this year. They’ll likely appreciate the fact that you’re coming to them and asking for help. When the temptation of wine, beer, or liquor isn’t in your face, you may have an easier time sticking to your plan.
Don’t deal with disrespect.
Unfortunately, not everyone has a family who is supportive of their recovery. This is especially true in families with multiple alcoholics. People who struggle with their drinking may pressure you to imbibe to feel better about themselves. It’s key that you remember your right to remove yourself from any situation in which you feel uncomfortable. If your sobriety is endangered by a wino aunt or a brash uncle, feel free to politely remove yourself from the situation. Your family members who care about your recovery will understand.
Keep your sponsor on speed dial.
If you know that it’s going to be hard for you to have a sober Thanksgiving, talk to your sponsor beforehand to let them know that you may need some extra support. Knowing that you have someone to support you via text or phone call can make all the difference in difficult moments.
Know that temptation is just that- temptation.
If you feel tempted to have a drink, it doesn’t mean that you’ve failed. Use tempting moments as an opportunity to prove to yourself how far you’ve come. When you feel the urge to drink come over you, pause. Don’t judge yourself. Take a moment, decipher what’s happening in your brain and body, and utilize a coping mechanism that makes sense for you. Remember, sobriety happens one day, one hour, and one choice at a time.
Serenity House Detox & Recovery- Your Home For Detox Care
If you’re struggling with alcohol abuse and wish you could have a sober Thanksgiving, we’re here to help. At Serenity House Detox & Recovery, we provide medically managed detox in a safe environment. We offer many different detox services, including:
- Addiction treatment plan
- Relapse prevention
- Medical detox
- Luxury detox
- Inpatient drug detox
We know that it can be hard to ask for help, and we’ll be here with you every step of the way. Make this your first sober Thanksgiving with the help of Serenity House Detox & Recovery FL.
Call Us
If you’re ready to change your life, Serenity House Detox & Recovery in Florida is here to help. We understand that the holiday season can make it especially hard to live a sober life, and we want to give you the best start possible on your journey to recovery. Call us today at 866.294.5306 to talk with one of our staff members about how our services can help you get your life back on track.
