It can be challenging to enjoy holidays when you are in early recovery. Holidays are filled with alcohol and drugs, so it can be difficult to resist temptations. However, there are many ways to support your recovery at Thanksgiving. Each can help you see that sobriety is possible even after addiction treatment.
Set clear boundaries with your family and friends
You can be sure of some things when you go to someone’s house for Thanksgiving dinner. You will most likely find turkey, cranberry sauce, and potatoes available. Some dinners will offer alcohol or drugs. You should inform those closest to you what you don’t want at the party and set boundaries.
You can communicate your limits and preferences with your family and friends so that you don’t get offered anything you don’t want. Not everyone will support your goals for sobriety. They may also be influenced by some of the negative stigmas associated with addiction and substance abuse. These people might not be the right people to spend Thanksgiving with.
Your priority should be early recovery and beyond.
Hosting can be the surest option
It can be easier to resist the urge to use when you attend an event that does not contain anything you cannot resist. Sometimes, that means hosting an event instead of attending. For example, you can host Thanksgiving events that include all you want and keep drugs and alcohol away.
If you host, make sure that people don’t bring things. While some might not like the idea, most people should be supportive and understand your decision. Although you may believe that family and friends will be aware, it is a good idea to remind them.
Service to others is a fulfilling option
It is both a humble and an uplifting experience to give back to others. There are more chances to help others this time of the year. You can feel a sense of peace and fulfillment when you provide this service. It reminds you that you are more than your addiction.
You might consider making more service commitments during the holidays so you don’t get distracted by thoughts about how you will attend events like Thanksgiving day.
Identify addiction triggers
Holidays such as Thanksgiving can lead to addiction triggers. You might have unresolved tension in your family that causes stress and leads to you turning to drugs or alcohol to escape. Maybe your family has a tradition of drinking after or during meals. You should prepare for how you will handle it all.
Be self-aware
You may enjoy celebrating Thanksgiving but also know that it can cause stress. You can slip back into an unhealthy mindset during the holidays that could lead to temptation and relapse. Avoid temptation triggers and let go of emotional tension in a constructive, healthy way. For example, you can stroll around the block or meditate alone if events are too intense.
It can make the situation much easier to manage by taking a few moments to relax.
Make a list of all the things you are thankful for
Thanksgiving is about gratitude. This theme is common in your recovery life. A gratitude journal can be beneficial when you are stressed or have an addiction trigger.
Write down all the reasons you are thankful for the changes in your life and how they have benefited your health. Then, if you are still in recovery, write down the things you want to change by quitting drugs. Your journal can be a source of inspiration during difficult days.
If you are still recovering, Thanksgiving or any other holiday can be challenging. Even if your loved one has been sober for some time, it can be not easy. However, it doesn’t have the same risk of relapse if you combine support with self-discipline.
Hathway Recovery luxury rehab facility in California offers evidence-based therapies that help clients connect with their families, peers, and higher power. The journey to deep healing can begin with our supportive environment. You can achieve your recovery goals by improving your mind, body, and spirit. You can live a sober life.
Hathway Recovery addiction treatment center offers a professional and personalized treatment plan.
