Holidays can be a difficult time for many addicts. There are family get-togethers (or the distinct absence of them), workplace Christmas parties, financial and time pressures, and expectations of alcohol consumption. New Years in particular is a holiday associated with a common expectation of drug and alcohol consumption. No matter how much clean time we have, no addict is immune to the stressors of this time of year.
Here are some tips on staying clean over the holidays
When attending any type of party or festive gathering, have an exit strategy. Even if it’s a family event, don’t feel obligated to attend, and if you do choose to attend, make sure you have a way to leave quickly should the need arise. Take your own car, take a friend in recovery who has a car, have a trusted someone on stand-by to pick you up, whatever it looks like for you, have an exit strategy and stick to it.
Know where and when the nearest NA meetings are. Whether you’re at home or out of town, find out where and when the meetings that will be open on the holidays are. Ask around, Google it, check the NA websites. Just make sure you know where and when the meetings around you will be open.
Don’t forget to use the same strategies we use every day. Keep in touch with your sponsor. Reach out to other addicts. Stay connected and don’t isolate.
Always remember your recovery has to come first. Take care of yourself and stay safe!
Have we left some tips out? Feel free to let us know: pr@georgianheartlandna.org