In the early stages of addiction recovery, you are learning how to handle certain situations that could compromise your newfound sobriety.
As the holidays are quickly approaching, it’s normal to feel anxious about celebrations and how you can avoid drug triggers during this time. If you are celebrating your first Thanksgiving sober, there are effective ways to stay on track. Our drug and alcohol treatment center in Illinois provides customized addiction treatment for anyone who is dealing with substance abuse. We provide the best tips for enjoying Thanksgiving with your loved ones while staying sober.
Express Gratitude for Your Recovery Journey
What better time to take a moment and reflect on your journey through recovery than Thanksgiving. This holiday is all about expressing gratitude for the blessings you have in your life. Reaching sobriety is a huge milestone that you can be thankful for. You worked extremely hard to get to where you are at now, and it’s important to acknowledge your strength, as well as thank your loved ones who have been supportive throughout your journey.
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Set Boundaries for Yourself
If you are worried about which Thanksgiving dinner to attend this year, it’s important to be surrounded by people who understand your sobriety, as well as those who you feel comfortable with. You must set boundaries for yourself and say no to those who can negatively influence your decisions this year. It’s okay to stay home this holiday if you feel that the environment and drinking atmosphere can bring about triggers. You do not want to be associated with people who are not supportive and sympathetic of all that you have gone through.
Have An Exit Strategy
Even though you may be attending a Thanksgiving event that you feel comfortable being at, you never know when a trigger will occur. If this were to happen, you must have a plan for how you would handle the situation. Contact your sponsor or a trusted friend to help you navigate the situation or to come pick you up. Your sobriety must be protected at all times, and the holidays can be tricky when it comes to triggers.
Manage Stress Levels
A large gathering for a Thanksgiving can come with stressful situations, such as cooking all day and pleasing family members. We suggest that you take the time to practice self-care during the holiday such as meditating. Escaping a crowded household for just a moment can be very powerful.
Banyan Treatment Center wants you to enjoy your Thanksgiving holiday with supportive friends and family members. Remember how far you have come and express gratitude for your recovery journey. If you need help recovering from a drug or alcohol addiction this holiday season, contact us at 888-280-4763 today. It’s never too late to start over.
