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10Tips for Avoiding Triggers During the Holiday Season

Kayla Halleran and David Eggers of 2nd Chance Clinic have some tips for navigating the holidays in recovery. Kayla: I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to share my experience and let anyone who is struggling through the holiday season know that they are not alone. It is absolutely possible to stay clean and sober during holidays. Not having family or kids around during the holidays was a major trigger for me. I am so thankful to be in recovery and have my son home with me. David: There are many pathways to recovery and what works for one person might not work for another. I do my best to keep it simple and find the best way for me to stay clean is to live by the golden rule. Treat others the way I want to be treated. Help other people whenever possible, and make a nightly gratitude list. These are our suggestions on how to stay sober during the stressful times of the holidays. Be honest and transparent with friends and family. Let them know that you are in recovery and can’t drink or do anything that makes you feel intoxicated. Set boundaries. Don’t put yourself in situations that compromise your recovery. It’s okay to make a short appearance or to not go at all. People will be more understanding of why you are absent than you realize. Plan ahead. Drive your own vehicle to holiday parties so you can control your destiny. Let a sober friend know when you are going and that you might need to reach out to talk if something triggers you. Keep busy. Boredom is a big trigger for many people. You are less likely to slip into old habits and anxious thoughts when you have things to do. Set small goals each day to keep your environment structured and in your control. Make time for self care. Cooking, cleaning, wrapping, shopping, decorating... Remember, not everything has to be done in one day. It’s okay to push pause and do something that you enjoy. Be aware of your thoughts. If you start to rationalize having a drink or getting high, immediately tell someone you trust. They say that the urge to use, once triggered, usually passes within 5-7 minutes. Try to keep yourself occupied until the urge passes. Use your support group. Whether you are bracing for the holidays or looking forward to them, stay in touch with your support group. Others who are celebrating the holidays in recovery will help keep you on the right track. Look for the good. Keep a mental list or journal of the good things happening to you and for you. The past is the past. Be gentle with yourself and realize you are not the things you did in your past. Enjoy this year’s holidays for what they are – new, sober experiences. New traditions! Following some of these tips might also mean finding new ways to celebrate the holidays. Be of service to others by volunteering or helping someone in need.

If you or someone you know is struggling, don’t give up hope. 2nd Chance Center for Addiction Treatment is an outpatient rehabilitation center that offers a variety of addiction treatment services to help you to get back to living your life. Visit 2ndchanceclinics.com to learn more.