For people with substance use disorders, the holidays can be a trying time. Changes in routine, increased stress, and exposure to people, places, and situations you don’t encounter during the rest of the year can throw you for a loop. Reading this guide to enjoying sober holidays is a good sign: You’re one step ahead and are helping yourself plan for a healthy, happy, and substance-free holiday season. Roaring Brook Recovery provides outpatient addiction treatment in Kentucky.
Roaring Brook Recovery’s Guide to Enjoying Sober Holidays
Whether it’s your first year sober or you’re looking for ways to protect your long-term recovery and mental health, set yourself up for success with Roaring Brook Recovery’s guide to enjoying sober holidays.
Identify Triggers
What are your triggers? Negative emotions, high stress levels, or being around people who are intoxicated are just a few examples of things that may contribute to urges to use substances. Identify triggers so you are aware of the need to utilize coping skills, be compassionate toward yourself, and talk to someone if or when they arise.
Plan Ahead
When you plan ahead, you can avoid taking on too much or putting yourself in situations that might not be healthy for you. You can also create a plan for what you can do if you encounter difficult or stressful situations. This is something our therapists will help you with in addiction recovery.
Build Your Support Network
It is always important to have a strong support system. If you have not done so already, build your support network so that you have people to turn to this holiday season. Ideally, this should include treatment professionals as well as other people in your life, such as family members, healthy friendships, and other sober people, such as those you connect with in support groups or through treatment.
Create New Traditions
In the past, substances may have been involved in your holiday celebrations. This is a great opportunity to create new traditions. For example, taking a tour of the holiday lights around town with loved ones, making cookies, exchanging gifts with friends, or participating in a local event. Find something fun that you’ll look forward to.
Maintain Self-Care Routines
When things get hectic, it can be difficult to maintain self-care routines. Take a moment to consider how you will take care of yourself throughout the holiday season. Things to take into account include, but aren’t limited to, maintaining good sleep hygiene and getting enough sleep, setting aside time for yourself, continuing therapy and support group meetings, physical activity, and emotional coping skills.
Programs at Roaring Brook Recovery
The programs at Roaring Brook Recovery set you up for success year-round. In therapy sessions, we can help you make a plan to navigate challenges, such as the holiday season, in ways that fit your unique needs.
Partial Hospitalization Program
Roaring Brook Recovery’s partial hospitalization program (PHP) provides intensive therapy on an outpatient basis. PHP clients participate in therapy five days per week at our center in Lexington. Sessions last for about four hours each, totaling around 20 hours of therapy each week.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
The intensive outpatient program (IOP) at Roaring Brook Recovery includes a total of about 12 hours of therapy per week. Clients in our IOP participate in treatment four days per week for approximately three hours each day.
Sober Living in Kentucky
We provide sober living in Kentucky for people in our programs. While you’re welcome to live off-site, opting to stay in sober housing means that you’ll have extra support, accountability, and lifestyle structure. Sober living also provides a sense of community, which can be critical during complex times, such as the holidays.
Alumni Program
Even those who have been in recovery for a long time need support. After addiction treatment is over, you’ll have immediate access to Roaring Brook Recovery’s alumni program. This program offers various resources, including but not limited to check-ins with staff members, sober activities and events, and continued opportunities for skill development.
Call Roaring Brook Recovery for Effective Addiction Treatment in Kentucky
Roaring Brook Recovery is a trusted drug and alcohol rehab center in Lexington. Founded by owners active in the local recovery community, we’re passionate about the quality of care we provide. Our evidence-based, goal-oriented, and trauma-informed treatment process helps people from diverse walks of life heal and meet their goals. Call Roaring Brook Recovery for effective addiction treatment in Kentucky at (866) 930 9299 now.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does AA have meetings around the holidays?
Yes. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) fellowships are often vigilant about holding meetings throughout the holiday season. Although some meeting times and locations may change due to the holidays, you should have multiple options to choose from. Often, people attending AA meetings will discuss challenges that emerge during the holidays, which can help others who are struggling feel less alone.
To find your nearest AA fellowship, go to aa.org and click “Find AA Near You.” For example, people in Lexington may use a local resource such as https://www.bluegrassintergroup.org/. These resources should help you find an up-to-date list of meetings (including holiday closures or changes) near you.
If AA is not the right fit for you, you can also find other groups, like Narcotics Anonymous (NA). They will also continue meetings around the holidays.
Can I see my family for the holidays while in drug rehab?
Roaring Brook Recovery is an outpatient treatment center. Outside of therapy hours, clients can see their family at any time, including the holidays. One of the benefits of outpatient programs like our PHP and IOP is that you will have help navigating real-life situations during the treatment process. We’ll help guide you through challenges, and you will build sustainable life skills that you can use to support long-term sobriety.
Why can the holidays be a trigger for someone with a substance use disorder?
The holidays can be a tough time for many people. Complex family relationships, loss of a loved one, and other difficulties can lead to feelings of depression, sadness, or grief. Additionally, routines often change during the holidays, and you might be exposed to triggers you wouldn’t usually encounter. It’s essential to remember that this time will pass and that people will go back to their regular routines. In the interim, it can be helpful to have someone to talk to, including peers with similar experiences (such as those in recovery programs and support groups) and professionals.