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<\/a><\/p>\nHowever, for someone in recovery, this question is a matter of serious consideration. How can one really stay off booze (and even drugs) during the holidays and the New Year’s eve, especially when you are surrounded by family and triggers that have always brought out the worst in you all these years.<\/p>\n
What do you do when a relative comes over and asks you where have you been the past months? How do you say that you’ve been in rehab without getting them down, getting a lecture, or just avoiding a misguided judgement? How do you say “No” to a tipsy uncle who keeps offering you a bottle of beer or “just a sip” of cocktail? How do you go through all these festivities without feeling cornered, confused, and overwhelmed?<\/p>\n
Well, if you survived Christmas Noche Buena and all the parties before or after that, then you’re good. However, if you still need a boost for the New Year’s Eve celebrations, we give you these tips below. Note that these are also great reminders not only for the holidays but for every social and family gathering as well.<\/p>\n
1. Have a heightened awareness of your triggers.\u00a0<\/b>After rehab, you might have a better understanding of your own emotional dynamics, and what emotions and behaviors trigger you. By prepping yourself and being aware of these triggers, you will be better equipped to handle or even counter them even when they pop up on the New Year celebrations.<\/p>\n
Remember that triggers only have powers when you let it get ahold of you. They are only as powerful as you let them. So take the wheel and be accountable of your own attitudes and emotions.<\/p>\n
2. Remember that this is about family.\u00a0<\/strong>Holidays are great opportunities to catch up with families and relatives. Take this moment to savor the moment and really appreciate your family and relationships. One downfall in these family gatherings is when you think that people will be talking about you, or will pity or be condescending on you. Instead of allowing yourself to be triggered, take deep breaths and reassess the situation. Don’t think that the things they say are about you, and try to be of service to your family by serving them, cooking for them, or just helping in providing entertainment. You can offer to keep an eye on\u00a0your cousin’s baby, prepare the dessert, or hold games and icebreakers. Keep conversations going, and keep them light and warm. By not letting your own paranoia and fears get in the way, you will find out that you are, after all, enjoying your time with family.<\/p>\n 3. Choose your sober choices in advance.\u00a0<\/strong>Of course, in these occasions, it can be hard to not attend parties that don’t have booze. Therefore, know what they will be having and think up what sober choices you can have or prepare ahead of time. If you don’t like people questioning your sudden shift to plain soda or juice, then prepare a virgin cocktail to keep the proddings at bay. As long as you commit to staying sober and preparing what sober choices you’ll have once you reach the venue, then you are good to go.<\/p>\n 4. You don’t have to justify your sobriety. <\/strong>There will be people around you who may or may not know about your recent stint in rehab. You know what–this shouldn’t matter. You don’t have to explain to them–or to anyone–why you don’t drink anymore. Not even to a close relative. What makes the situation more difficult for you is if you give in to the pressure to explain yourself and your choice to be sober.<\/p>\n You can smile, shrug and change the topic if someone asks you why you’re just drinking pineapple juice. If you don’t want to have people to keep bugging you, you can just tell them alcohol makes you sick. Or that you just don’t want to drink. If someone still bugs you about it, then remember, it’s their problem, not yours. Just remember to keep positive and let other people enjoy themselves.<\/p>\n 5. Have a way out.\u00a0<\/strong>Often being in a situation where you are surrounded by booze or drugs can leave you in a very sticky situation. Even if you are with your family or your closest friends, know that you don’t have to feel trapped. You owe it to yourself to leave if you feel uncomfortable, or if you feel that you are putting your commitment to recovery and sobriety at risk.<\/p>\n Whether you feel stifled with all the triggers around you, or are overwhelmed with the inevitable family drama, give yourself a break. If you can’t talk to your support group, get out of the room, go for a walk, or just take deep breaths. Give yourself time to compose yourself.<\/p>\n \n
\nThe New Year is a time for change, but you can always change whenever you want. Just make sure that you change for the better and not procrastinate. You owe yourself that chance. The celebrations with family and friends should not be a hindrance for you to celebrate your own renewed life in recovery however you want it. Just remember these tips and make the most of the New Year ahead!<\/h4>\n
If you or someone you know is still struggling with addiction, it’s not too late. Call or text us at our confidential hotline: 09175098826.<\/h3>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"