With the holidays around the corner, it is time to plan ahead for a sober Thanksgiving. While the holidays are a wonderful time to spend with family members, many seasonal events involve drinking. To stay sober over the holidays, individuals need to put the right techniques in place to prevent a relapse. While it may seem like a difficult task to stay sober over the holidays it doesn’t have to be. Planning ahead and developing ways to cope can make the process significantly easier.
The Best Techniques for Having a Sober Thanksgiving
Relapse prevention should start before the turkey is in the oven. Before Thanksgiving, clients can reach out to their support group. Find members of the support group who are willing to answer a phone call or show up during challenging moments. Individuals can also try the buddy system for a sober Thanksgiving. When a sober friend is present, both individuals have someone to talk to as they work through cravings.
Before the event, individuals can talk to the host about their recovery. Normally, hosts try to pour drinks and serve food to make their guests enjoy the event. If they know that someone is in recovery, they will make sure to offer non-alcoholic beverages instead.
Plan an Exit Strategy
Thanksgiving is a festive, joyous occasion. If someone starts to feel uncomfortable, it is better to just leave. There is no reason to stay at a party or dinner if it makes someone uncomfortable. This is especially true for individuals in recovery. If they are not feeling secure in their ability to stay sober, then leaving is the best thing to do.
Before going to an event, individuals should consider how long they can comfortably be there. If the whole family has a Thanksgiving weekend of mimosas and hard alcohol, then staying for the entire weekend might be too risky. Instead, plan out the amount of time that is actually doable. Then, let family and friends know about these plans. If you plan on going with a friend who drinks you may want to ensure you have your own transportation. This way, if the temptation becomes too strong, you have the ability to leave on your own.
No one should feel obligated to stay if they want a sober Thanksgiving. If the event causes stress, anger or anxiety, it is probably time to leave. Before the event, individuals should be mentally prepared to leave if they feel triggered. Plan ahead for staying sober and set boundaries beforehand.
Finding Support Before the Holidays
One of the best ways to stay sober over the holidays is to get support. Family therapy, group support meetings and rehab treatment can help help individuals stay sober. In the right treatment center, clients can get help through programs such as:
If you feel concerned about your sober Thanksgiving, the Crest View Recovery Center can help. Moreover, you can keep an addiction from overwhelming your life and start your recovery today. To find out how we can help, call us at 866.327.2505.
