One of the most difficult times of the year for those recovering from alcoholism, drug addiction, or any addiction come to that, is the Christmas holidays and the New Year. If you find yourself struggling during the Christmas season, please remember that you are not alone, there are many people around the world feeling something similar. Help is only a phone call, or a meeting away. TRN will be online through out, as usual.
Here are some helpful and practical tips to keep you from danger of relapse.
The first thing to do is to have a solid reality check. Christmas is just another day of the year, another day to be in recovery. The expectations are the problem. The expectation that it will be better, different, happier, that the family will behave differently, that you will feel different, and other expectations of your choosing. Christmas is a huge build-up to one day that will be whatever it will be, but you need to manage those expectations without increasing the internal or external stress upon yourself.
Relapse and the journey into it is all about stress. So inevitably Christmas is a difficult time of year for those in recovery from addictions being very stressful.
Some ideas to reduce the stress factor:
Plan each and every day of your holiday:
Plan to spend the majority of your time with friends and family who are supportive of your recovery. If you are required to be present for a social gathering where alcohol is being served, bring a fellow Fellowship member with you. Have a plan A, B, and C prepared to put into action. Have a concrete exit strategy. And give yourself permission not to go if you feel too vulnerable. Plan fun events and outings to replace your old drinking, drugging or acting out rituals.
Find an all day and evening meeting in your area:
During the Christmas season, some AA, NA, CA, OA, GA, SAA groups, hold an all day meeting. It is a time when the members of the Anonymous community gather together to celebrate their recovery from addiction. Many groups have meetings on the hour every hour to share their experience, strength and hope. If you are a member of the fellowship or think that you might have a problem with alcohol, other drugs or addictive behaviours, you are welcome to attend. Check the general service web site or phone number for a meeting in your area.
Ask for support from your family and friends:
Those who are truly supportive of your recovery will be happy to help you throughout the holidays. Be up front and tell them your concerns and ask for help.
Have a list of at least ten people you can call if you feel the urge to drink, use, or act out:
Make a list in your mobile phone and check it twice. Carry your mobile phone and your list of names at all times. The urge to drink or use is very powerful and can happen at any time.
Don’t forget about regular exercise:
Regular exercise is an essential component of any balanced recovery program. If you have extra time on your hands, it is a great idea to get out and exercise. Examples include running, a walk in the countryside or by the sea, stretching, yoga, go for a bike ride, Tai Chi, Pilates, water aerobics, or swimming. Instead of slouching about on the couch after dinner, go for a walk around the block.
Stay away from slippery people and places:
There is absolutely no reason to ever check out your former favourite drinking establishments. It is very likely that your old drinking buddies are still there and are still telling the same old stories. Whatever the addictive behaviour, do not allow the lack of your usual structure to let your programme slip.
Create new traditions to replace your old patterns:
Try something totally different during the holidays. Buy a new board game, take the family on a day out somewhere new, or prepare a family newsletter. Use your imagination, be creative and have fun.
Write out a daily gratitude list:
The quickest cure to get you out of the holiday blues is by acknowledging the gifts recovery has brought you. Be grateful for what you have by writing out a gratitude list every morning. Don’t stop writing until you have at least 10 items on your list. Step 10 last thing at night will also end your day in a healthy manner.
Volunteer your services to a meeting or charitable organisation:
There are people in your community who are homeless and hungry. Why not volunteer to work at a special Christmas dinner for those less fortunate than you? You will be helping not only the needy but yourself.
Write a letter to yourself. How I stayed sober over Christmas:
The act of writing your ideas on paper is very powerful. Write down all the activities and events that will help you have healthy happy sober Christmas. Now take action on them and make this letter come true!
Remember lots of foods have raw alcohol in them:
A simple way to avoid activating a craving, or to cross addict is to be aware that all you buy or eat is alcohol free. Chocolates, mince pies, sauces, Christmas puddings and cakes, and so on are all prone to be laced with alcohol before packaging. Family members, unless they are aware of your recovery status, may add booze to food items for their own enjoyment.
Avoid H.A.L.T.
H.A.L.T. stands for:
• Hungry
• Angry
• Lonely
• Tired
There are very simple solutions for all of the above items. If you are hungry, get something to eat. If you are angry, talk to somebody about it. If you are lonely, go to a meeting or call a friend. If you are tired, get a good night’s sleep.
Have a great festive time.
