The holidays can be difficult for everyone, especially for people struggling with addiction. This year, a sober Christmas may be on your list after years of addiction. Our intensive outpatient program at Sunstone Recovery can put you on that path, and you will be able to enjoy many non-drinking Christmases to come. You don’t have to dread the holidays and family time with the help of recovery. Holidays are especially challenging with the stresses of parties, family dynamics, and the attitudes of over-celebration. With a bit of planning ahead, holiday sobriety is easier. Learn about how alcohol addiction treatment can help with sobriety.
Have Yourself a Sober Christmas
Our family therapy in Bend, Oregon, can provide guidance, support, encouragement, and treatment with the involvement of the important people in your life. Especially during the holidays, you want your family network to help you in the journey to recovery. Sobriety during the Christmas season includes those who can support you and provide encouragement during your journey to overcome the addiction and mental health challenges that you face.
Tips For a Sober Christmas With Friends
There are certain measures that you can take if you are already in recovery or are celebrating your first holiday season sober. Here are some tips:
- Make a promise to yourself beforehand that you will not drink.
- Maintain a positive attitude.
- Have a response prepared ahead for when friends notice you’re not drinking.
- Plan your drinks; bring something with you that is non-alcoholic so that you can drink with friends.
- Look good on the outside, faking it until you’re making it.
- Escape when necessary with a beforehand plan.
- Have a ride home ready for when you need it; enlist a sober sympathetic friend or family member.
With Sunstone’s recovery help, you’ll be able to ignore or respond to such gems as, “You’re usually so much fun when you drink; having one won’t hurt.” A well-meaning colleague or friend can be drinking and not be aware of the fact that some people may want to not drink at a Christmas or New Year’s party.
A Sober Holiday Includes the Real Christmas Spirit
Sobriety brings the best chance for a truly festive Christmas. By undergoing an individual therapy program, you can learn more about the root causes of your addiction. Holidays tend not to be as stressful once you are more aware of the triggers. Progress in rehab gives you the tools to face challenges confidently and effectively.
An addiction therapy program will help you learn about why you became an addict in the first place. We’ll track your growth as you progress forward.
Virtual Outpatient Care from Sunstone
With our dual diagnosis treatment, you can be ready when anxiety creeps in, even if you have stopped drinking and your addiction is being treated. Self-medicating as a way of coping with anxiety is the focus of recovery with dual diagnosis. Especially during the holidays, stress and anxiety can be visitors to your home, along with family and friends.
Self-Care in Recovery
Self-care is paramount in recovery. Taking care of yourself is an unselfish act, even if it may not appear this way from a surface understanding. If you don’t take care of yourself, you can’t be there for others during the holidays and throughout the year. You already took the most critical step toward self-love by getting sober. Consider the following self-care tips this holiday season:
- Avoid overspending, especially out of guilt
- When you feel stressed, think of things you’re grateful for
- Manage your own responsibilities before others’
If you’re feeling tired, then rest. Don’t be too hard on yourself if you slip up. A slip-up is not a full relapse, but it could lead you to go down a shame spiral if you don’t forgive yourself and move on quickly. Remember to exercise, eat well, and spend time with encouraging, positive people. Don’t take on more than you can handle. Remember to be kind to yourself and treat yourself as you would a friend.
Online Therapy from Sunstone Recovery
We provide medical treatment and complete supervision while you are at our facility. Your concerns are a priority to our staff; we strive to find the right path for your treatment. With our commitment to your lifelong sobriety, you know that you will be in good hands at Sunstone Recovery. Our specialists will be at your side every step of the way.
Managing Mental Health and Addiction Concerns
Addiction should not control your valuable life. Even if the holidays have been hard for you in the past, having assistance can make all the difference. With help, you can overcome your addiction by going to a quality drug rehab, such as at Sunstone addiction therapy in Bend, OR. Contact us, and we’ll get you on the road to recovery. Give us a call at 855.912.6870, or contact us online to get started and to ensure a festive, sober holiday.
