Many people in early recovery get concerned that they will not be able to enjoy the holidays as they once did. Of course, this is true because, in active recovery, the holidays can be so much more fulfilling. For those in recovery and those who have loved ones in recovery, this includes buying gifts over the holidays.
Navigating the Holidays in Recovery
Now, navigating the holidays in recovery can be intimidating at first. This is merely because navigating any new experiences in recovery can feel raw. After all, for those in recovery, this is a whole new way of life.
However, the key to navigating the holidays in recovery is to stick close to one’s recovery plan and stay connected to other people in recovery. The latter can be especially important. This is expressed in the primary text of 12-Step recovery (commonly referred to as the Big Book). The chapter is titled, “Working With Others,” and it states, “Practical experience shows that nothing will so much insure immunity from drinking [and using] as intensive work with other [people in recovery]. It works when other activities fail… You can help when no one else can.”
The Holidays: Buying Gifts for Those in Recovery
There are many exceptional options for those in recovery when it comes to buying gifts over the holidays. The key is to remember that there are certain gifts that may be triggering. Now, the obvious triggering gifts include those associated with drinking and using, but there can be other gifts that may also be triggering.
Surprisingly, these gifts often include ones that are too associated with recovery. Individuals in recovery also want to move forward and live a life that isn’t always focused on recovery. There are times and places for that, including attending 12-Step recovery meetings.
Great gifts may include gift cards to activities that they may have taken up in their newly established recovery. Examples of this may be gift cards to yoga or a gym, a cooking class, or a crafting or painting class. Other great gifts may also include literature that focuses on spiritual principles and a new way of life. Also, the holidays don’t just have to focus on gifts. They can also focus on getting together with friends and family.
Attending Holiday Events for Those in Recovery
Going to or holding holiday events can be stressful for people in recovery. But, they don’t have to be. The key is to make sure there are sober options available for individuals in recovery. This may be as simple as ensuring that there are non-alcoholic beverages available and that the food is not prepared with alcohol (especially desserts where the alcohol has not been cooked off).
A great way to hold holiday events in recovery is to make them specific for individuals in recovery. Holding a “sober party” can ensure that there are no uncomfortable or triggering situations. It truly takes the guessing and stress out of attending or hosting a holiday event.
Avoiding a Relapse for Those in Recovery
Many people don’t realize just how common relapse can be in recovery. This is especially true during high-stress times like the holidays.
According to the peer-reviewed journal, Current Psychiatry Reports, “High levels of stress and trauma exposure are commonly associated with substance use disorders. Increases in irritability, anxiety, emotional distress, sleep problems, dysphoria, aggressive behaviors, and drug craving are common during early abstinence from alcohol, cocaine, opiates, nicotine, and marijuana. The dependent state is marked by negative affect, distress, and anhedonia during early abstinence, which relates to neuroadaptations in brain reward and stress pathways.” This is why staying connected to a health relapse prevention plan can be so critical.
For those in recovery, relapse prevention plans can be life-saving. These plans include having an extensive “sober network” that one can rely on when times become triggering. During the holidays this “network” can be utilized if one finds themselves in a situation where one needs a ride to leave or someone to talk to if one feels like they should leave. It is also important because helping others over the holidays can add an essential level of purpose to one’s recovery.
Healing Over the Holidays With Lantana Recovery
Here at Lantana Recovery, we understand that the holidays can be stressful. This is why all of our recovery plans are individualized and have a focus on the future. Long-term recovery is the ultimate goal.
One must remember that in recovery we must understand that “life is lived on life’s terms. This includes during the holidays. However, for those in recovery, they will soon discover that the holidays are much more meaningful and rich in recovery. The holidays should be joyful, and in recovery, they will be.
With the December holidays upon us, it is important to have the tools necessary to celebrate happily, healthily, and soberly. This includes gift giving and gift receiving. The good news is that there are many great ideas for family members and people in recovery on how to find practical (and acceptable) gifts in recovery. If you feel like you or a loved one are struggling with issues of addiction, mental illness, or co-occurring disorders, we can help get you on the right road to recovery right away. You don’t have to go through this process alone. For more information about navigating the holidays in sobriety, please reach out to Lantana Recovery today at (866) 997-2870.
