Here are seven tried-and-true tips and strategies that will prepare you for the holidays, help you avoid relapse and protect you from any uncomfortable situations. Being “blessed with this life of celebrity” — and feeling some justified pride in his lifestyle change — he felt an obligation to pay the support forward. First, that meant going public with his sobriety story in the hope that someone sober holidays who “might need a nudge or a vote of confidence” could find hope and solidarity.

Tom Holland explains how his sobriety journey inspired his new non-alcoholic beer

If it feels safe to stay at the party into the night then by all means enjoy the evening, but if feeling triggered or tempted starts to enter the picture we need to have a plan to exit without excuse. Keeping in touch with your support system throughout the holidays doesn’t just make for a merrier season. And it’s important to have someone to text or call if you find yourself struggling with alcohol cravings at a holiday event or in general.

Follow these tips for how to stay sober during the holidays, according to experts

• This has led some to have rusty social skills and a quieter existence.
• “I hope that one day it’s on tap in every pub across the country, and then hopefully the world,” he said.
• People in early recovery who have spent a lot of time in treatment recently may be especially burdened by financial issues this time of year, causing added stress.
• Consider looking for additional support during the holidays through a recovery support group, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA).
• If you’ve slipped more than once, this might be a sign you need additional support, such as more frequent counseling sessions or an intensive outpatient program.

Practicing gratitude is not an exercise in the denial of difficult circumstances in our lives, nor is it the practice of taking inventory of our material possessions. Instead, it is simply remembering that there is value in everything, that life itself is a gift, and that the humility it requires to express thanks makes us more “right-sized” in our perceptions of ourselves. Gratitude is the cornerstone of serenity which is often scarce this time of year. Get professional help from an online addiction and mental health counselor from BetterHelp.

Which Holidays Are Tough For People In Recovery?

• The communal aspect of addiction support groups can offer comfort during the holidays, especially after a relapse, when you may not be feeling your best.
• With a few creative strategies, we can still participate in holiday fun without going broke.
• The stress of finding the perfect gift, or budgeting for gifts, can be a trigger for people in recovery, as stress in general is a common relapse trigger.

Remember, the disease of addiction is as powerful the day after a holiday as it is the day of and the day before. As we learn during addiction rehab and in the meeting rooms, recovery is a one-day-at-a-time endeavor, no matter the season. “I really felt like this was a market that I could exist in,” Holland said. “I felt really passionate about being sober, promoting a healthier lifestyle, making a difference and helping people. My first year of sobriety would have been much easier had I had a product like Bero.” One that necessitated relying on the very people with whom he’d been imbibing. “It wasn’t easy. I’m so lucky that my friends, who are all big drinkers, were massively supportive of me getting sober,” he said.

• While some people experience an uptick in social engagements around the holidays, others may feel especially isolated.
• “Take the lead in planning nonalcoholic activities, whether that’s taking a hike, canoeing, or something else active that doesn’t give you time to have an alcoholic beverage in hand,” she suggested.
• It is easy to let the holiday demands and activities disrupt our daily patterns and routines.
• The line includes Kingston Golden Pils, named after Holland’s hometown Kingston Upon Thames; Edge Hill Hazy IPA, named for Holland’s school; and Noon Wheat, named in honor of Holland’s beloved schnauzer.
• You exist outside of yourself, and you begin to notice all the blessings your life already contains.
• If you know other people in recovery, they may be particularly grateful that you organized something.
• If you’re looking for resources and tools to help you stay on track in your recovery during the holidays, AddictionResource.net has got you covered.

Some standard excuses are that you have to get up early the next day, you can’t mix alcohol with your medication, or you have to pick your child up on the way home. Sultan said it’s important at social gatherings and in general to “remind yourself regularly why you chose sobriety.” You can also bring a mocktail from home or find ingredients at a party to https://ecosoberhouse.com/ make your own.