“Sheer exhilaration can be a good substitute for craving a glass of wine,” says Lauren Burnison, founder of We Love Lucid, a European sober tour company. “On the trips I organize, we do adventurous things, like windsurfing or hiking.” I started kayaking in early sobriety and try to sneak in an early morning paddle wherever I go. We do not control the culinary options on any of our trips. So, each vacation will be different, but we generally choose resorts and experiences that offer a wide range of quality food. That usually includes options for people with even the most restrictive diets. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to sail down the Mekong River and visit some of the most extraordinary sights SE Asia has to offer.

• If you find yourself just sitting around with people that are drinking, you are more likely to pick up a drink and break your sobriety.
• They can help keep you from relapsing and effectively work through triggers as they arise.
• Whie parties like this may not be as crazy as the ones from your past, or be chalk full of guests, just know the ones who are there support you the most.

Call your local United Way or house of worship for information on help with holiday meals and gifts for children. In the end, the humility you gain will only strengthen your recovery. Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Al-Anon, and other 12-step recovery groups put extra meetings into place either in person or over the phone during the holidays.

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If you have a drink in your hand, chances are you won’t attract as much attention as if your hands are empty. Come up with a delicious and non-alcoholic drink you can enjoy while there. A cranberry and soda looks like many alcoholic cocktails and is festive to boot. This year, you may be brought back to places and parties where you used to have fun and get high. You may run into old friends who are back in town, old friends from your using days, who will remind you of substance use.

Always have your phone handy and always have the numbers of family, friends, and others supportive of your recovery at the ready. Another great way to stay sober for the holidays is to bring your own non-alcoholic beverages. Always ask in advance if your host will be providing any non-alcoholic drinks. If not, ask if you can bring seltzer water, soda or sparkling grape juice. Not drinking was still too new, and I found myself miserable and white-knuckling instead of actually enjoying anything. Asking a friend or family member to spend the evening sober with you can be incredibly powerful with helping you maintain your sobriety.

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Do something that is good for humanity and your recovery this season to avoid relapse. For people living in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction, staying sober during the holidays can sometimes feel challenging. Following a few best practices can help you manage your sobriety successfully during https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/8-tips-on-ow-to-spend-holidays-sober/ the holidays and start the New Year even stronger in your recovery. Setting firm boundaries with friends and family is critical and not having them can lead to relapse. It’s important to say no to activities that you’re not comfortable with. In many cultures, alcohol is a big part of the holidays.

Decide what your comfort level is and how you’ll respond to those questions before you’re in that situation. It’s fine to simply say, “I’m not drinking tonight.” Who knows — maybe you’ll inspire someone or help them feel less alone. If you’re trying to get through the holidays without drinking, I’ll share a few things that helped me. During the holidays, AA and NA have many gatherings that serve as safe and smart alternatives to alcohol-infused parties. Our emotional state has a powerful impact on us in early recovery, and the holiday season is notorious for stirring up emotions.

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Explore ancient ruins or simply lounge on a chic Grecian beach… Whatever you choose, it’ll be the ultimate experience. Lush forests and stunning waterfalls…rumbling volcanoes and endless coastlines…Costa Rica is a paradise teeming with exotic plants and incredible animals. Luxuriate at a resort for two nights at Playa Carrillo, Guanacaste, known for its breathtaking beauty and fine sandy beaches. Experience the forest canopy on your choice of a hanging bridges nature walk or an exhilarating zip lining tour. Explore part of the 20,000 acre nature preserve of Cano Negro on a riverboat adventure.

Everyone is running on empty, and the annual fight is just waiting to happen. All the same, I reached a point where I tired of coming back and uttering variations of “I think I need a holiday to get over the holiday”. After the stress, cost and hassle of arranging the break, I was grumpier, fatter and more tired than when I’d gone away. For many, returning to work is a chance to restore some sober order. But as a food and drink writer, there was no shortage of opportunities, bordering on obligations, to get sozzled in the name of professional advancement. Chasing the adrenalin that comes from a new experience or a thrilling physical activity induces a natural high.

If you’re living with active addiction, do not discount the extra stress the holidays bring. For the addicted person and their family, more stress means more vulnerability. After all, the holidays can kick off a perfect storm of family and money stress. If you feel scared or unsafe in your own home, reach out for help. Into Action offers a few tips for those in recovery to make staying sober and sane this holiday easier, even when life at home is far from perfect. A significant part of recovery and maintaining sobriety is having a community and connection.

It’s important to make sure that you’re prepared if you do begin to have difficulties managing your cravings so you have a sober holiday. Designate a person whom you can go to at an event if you’re struggling. If possible, drive separately to an event so that you don’t feel trapped. If you must ride with others to an event, create a word that you can use to let another person you rode with know you are having a difficult time and may need to leave soon. Maybe you are worried about your own drug use, or maybe you’re worried about the drug use of someone else.

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If you are in early recovery and are planning to spend the holidays alone, it’s important to be aware of the risks of this. Isolation is a huge trigger for relapse, and isolating during this time of year can feel particularly depressing. The holidays don’t require drugs or alcohol to celebrate. Remember that there are sober support groups in your area that most likely throw their own holiday parties, such as Alcoholics Anonymous.

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