Christmas can be especially difficult for those in recovery. The prevalence of eggnog, mulled wine, and spiced cider, among other holiday beverages, can make it hard to maintain sobriety during the holidays. Additionally, family, economic, and social pressures can lead to increased alcohol consumption during the weeks leading to Christmas. A sober Christmas is possible. With a good recovery alumni program and support system, the holiday season is the perfect time to build new traditions without alcohol.
If you or someone in your life needs help staying sober this Christmas, call Baltimore Detox Center. Our alumni programs and relapse prevention programs can help. Call us today at [Direct] or visit us online to get started.
What Are Alumni Programs?
Like college alumni programs, rehab alumni programs pair those in early recovery with people who have successfully completed rehab and maintain sobriety. Many alumni programs feature 12-step programs to support those in various stages of recovery around the country. Alumni programs provide accountability partners who can help people navigate their first sober holidays, major life events, and triggers that could lead to relapse. Those in alumni programs feel less alone and are less likely to relapse.
How to Enjoy a Sober Christmas
The sound of a sober Christmas may seem challenging. For some, there may be fear Christmas will be too difficult to endure without alcohol. However, there are countless approaches to enjoying the holiday season without drinking.
Create New Traditions
If your family traditions involve family recipes for eggnog, now is the time to create new traditions. Talk with accountability partners and others in sobriety for new holiday recipes that don’t involve alcohol. Try new activities and sober social groups to build community during the winter months. Also, take this time to take stock of what you truly value during the holiday season. You may find that the desire to drink during the holidays stems from other life pressures that you may be ready to release from your life.
Create Boundaries and Leave Toxic Relationships
It can be especially hard to maintain boundaries during Christmas. Finding a good therapist and alumni program can help. Set boundaries with loved ones and colleagues and express what you need to maintain sobriety during Christmas. During the holiday months, you may realize some relationships in your life don’t support your sobriety. Now is the time to let those relationships go.
Plan Sober Gatherings
Maintain control of your sobriety by planning your own sober Christmas. Focus on foods, traditions, and elements of the holiday you love. You can research new recipes, focus on decorations, or take on other holiday projects you enjoy without drinking. Invite others who prioritize sobriety. If hosting a Christmas party feels overwhelming, consider leaving town instead for a few days.
When alcohol is no longer part of your holidays, you may find yourself less interested in old parties, social pressures, and engaging in family arguments. Discussing changes to traditions, gatherings, and Christmas celebrations can be hard on the whole family. Addiction therapists, 12-step programs, and alumni programs can support you as you create new traditions.
Join an Alumni Program at Baltimore Detox Center
The reality is Christmas isn’t all joy and merriment. It’s stressful. If you’re struggling with sobriety and need extra support this holiday season, call Baltimore Detox Center. As the second free-standing detox center in Baltimore, we know every stage of addiction recovery. We treat dual diagnosis alongside drug and alcohol addiction for comprehensive, holistic healing. Our alumni and relapse prevention programs can help you maintain sobriety amidst life’s celebrations and stresses. If you’re ready for an accountability partner and sobriety support, call Baltimore Detox Center today at [Direct].
