The Holiday Season is Difficult for Addicts—Here's How to Survive

The holidays are a time for family, friends, and celebration. But for addicts, the holiday season can be a nightmare. Constantly surrounded by various triggers, people who may enable their addiction and feeling immense pressure to maintain their sobriety, the holidays can be a trying time. However, there are things that addicts can do to make it through the holiday season without relapsing. Here are five tips:

1. Avoid Enabling Environments

The first step is to avoid environments that may enable your addiction. If you know that you will be tempted by drugs or alcohol at a certain event, it is best to steer clear. It is also important to avoid people who may enable your addiction. If there is someone in your life who constantly provides you with drugs or alcohol, it is best to distance yourself from them during the holiday season.

2. Lean on Your Support System

The second step is to lean on your support system. Whether you have a sponsor, sober friends, or a therapist, these are the people who will help you stay on track during the holiday season. Count on them when you are feeling weak and make sure to stay in communication with them.

3. Make a Plan

The third step is to make a plan. Sit down and map out how you will handle different situations that may arise during the holiday season. Having a plan beforehand will help you stick to your sobriety when faced with difficult situations.

4. Take Care of Yourself

The fourth step is to take care of yourself both mentally and physically. Make sure to get enough sleep and eat healthy meals. Exercise regularly and find healthy ways to cope with stress. The better you take care of yourself, the better equipped you will be to handle anything that comes your way during the holiday season.

5. Seek Help if Necessary

And finally, seek professional help if necessary. If you feel like you are about to relapse or if you are struggling to cope with triggers and cravings, reach out for help immediately. There are many resources available for addicts during the holiday season—use them!

The holiday season is a difficult time for addicts but it doesn't have to be impossible to get through sober. By following these five steps, addicts can survive the holidays without relapsing into old habits.