Thanksgiving can be overwhelming for individuals in recovery. From pestering family members to tables full of alcoholic drinks, this period can present many types of triggers, making you vulnerable to relapse. Roughly half of US citizens drink at family gatherings to tolerate the event. It implies that one in two family members has to drink to stand the other.
Although planning a sober thanksgiving can seem overwhelming, Summit Estate Recovery Center will allow you to remain on your path to healing. To learn more, contact us today at 800.701.6997.
1. Get Ahead of Your Triggers by Preparing for the Worst
This year’s Thanksgiving is unlikely to be your first. You have a mental picture of how previous events have been. It is vital to prepare in advance how you will handle whatever the get-together might throw in your way. Jot down all triggers you anticipate ahead of time.
Listing your feelings, exploring their sources, and finding ways to handle them in advance is therapy in itself. It is a way of internalizing and processing an unhealthy behavior in a way you can manage.
If you have already gone through mental scenarios where your loved ones inquire about what you did in the past due to substance abuse, it will not annoy you as much when the issue crops up in real life.
If you are not ready to tolerate some people, you need to prepare an exit strategy. Do not give others the pleasure of seeing you in misery. You can walk away. Keep handy the contacts of trusted loved ones. Such people can assure you of their help or support should anything go amiss.
2. Create Your Sober Ways of Celebrating
When you participate in a drug treatment program in rehab, you open a new page in life. You might need to rethink your old habits that are not in line with your current goals. If your previous thanksgiving gatherings included alcoholic beverages, you have to deviate from such parties.
Having an enjoyable event is possible, even without alcohol or other intoxicating substances. For starters, you can make a replica of some of your granny’s recipes. Preparing a hearty meal is always a great way to celebrate any event.
Another great idea you can use to have a sober Thanksgiving is planning fun activities, such as games, movies, and competitions. You can also create special craft projects, such as pumpkin-carving, to keep all guests engaged and entertained.
3. Volunteer in a Rehab on Thanksgiving
There are many rehab centers close to you that may organize social events and seminars. You can volunteer your skills, money, or time in such a rehab center.
Another reason to consider spending time in rehab is that you can access useful programs such as:
- A dual diagnosis treatment program
- Holistic addiction treatment
- Sober living program
- Prescription drug addiction treatment
- Addiction therapy programs
Volunteering can be mentally and physically taxing. In case you may need to cool down at some point, consider natural stress relievers like peppermint, flavored water, lavender, herbal tea, sparkling cider, and essential oils. You may also choose to carry enough to share with those who also choose to celebrate the day sober.
Contact Summit Estate Recovery Center for a Sober Holiday
If you resort to alcohol or drugs when your stress levels rise, rehab can teach you how to avoid such dangerous coping methods. Seek professional help at a residential treatment program, and you will leave rehab with vital skills for coping with stressful situations. Thanksgiving is a time to enjoy the presence of loved ones in our lives. However, it does not have to leave you battling alcohol or substance use disorders again. Contact Summit Estate Recovery Center at 800.701.6997 for more information on substance abuse treatment and how to stay sober during holidays.
