We tend to associate the holiday season with positive things: time away from work, time with family, homecooked meals, and a little bit of a break from our everyday obligations. But for many, time outside of our daily routines, more time with family, and the added expense of the holidays can mean added tension, anxiety, and stress. As a result, this can be a particularly difficult time for people who are struggling with addiction. For this reason, it is important to remain focused on celebrating sober holidays, even if that means reaching out for extra support.
At New Bridge Foundation®, we understand that even though recovery and the holidays do not always go hand in hand, sober holidays must be a priority.
Happy (Sober) Holidays
Even with the added anxiety of the holiday season, there are several tips that people in recovery can fall back on when the stress begins to build, and the many temptations of the holiday season begin to appear. Among these are:
- Have a “sober holidays” plan. With a little forethought, strategies can be put into place that allow people in recovery to maintain sobriety while enjoying the holiday season. This may mean punctuating or bookending the holidays with 12-step meetings, maintaining contact with sponsors, or reaching out to a network of peers.
- Avoid high-risk situations. As part of any good “sober holidays” plan, it is essential to know one’s limits and to be aware of what people, places, and circumstances might trigger relapse.
- If you feel a relapse is coming on, reach out. Even with a plan in place, temptation lurks around every corner, especially during the holidays. And it is easy to avoid getting help when busy with family and social obligations. Initiating treatment or returning to an addiction treatment center like New Bridge Foundation® during the holidays might be the best gift a person in recovery can give themselves.
Sober Holidays at New Bridge Foundation®
At New Bridge Foundation®, we work hard to make sure that clients feel supported all year round, and especially during the holiday season. And when our clients are ready to commit to a sober holiday season, we are here to help. Our inpatient treatment center in Berkely, CA, caters to individuals seeking help with a wide variety of addiction issues. Our outpatient programs offer an alternative to those needing support without the structure of an inpatient stay. The programs we offer at New Bridge include:
- Detoxification
- Short-Term Residential Rehab (Helios)
- Short-Term Outpatient Rehab (Helios)
- Long-Term Residential Rehab (START)
- Free Aftercare for Life
The important thing is getting each and every client the care that he or she needs. And celebrating sober holidays is a great place to start.
Contact New Bridge Foundation® Today
If you or someone you love are struggling with addiction we, at New Bridge Foundation® can help you construct a “sober holidays” plan. Reach out to us today to start on the path to recovery by calling 866.772.8491. We are here to help.