During the holiday season, many people enjoy Thanksgiving because it is a time for expressing gratitude, catching up with family, and enjoying a delicious feast. However, for those in recovery, Thanksgiving can be challenging. The stress of the holidays, the temptation of alcohol and drugs, and the social pressure to drink can all trigger relapse.
In this blog post, we will discuss how to navigate Thanksgiving successfully while in recovery and examine the unique challenges faced by individuals in recovery. In addition, we will examine the deeper meaning of Thanksgiving, emphasizing the importance of gratitude and its relevance to the recovery process.
The Challenges of Thanksgiving in Recovery
The holidays can be stressful and anxiety-provoking for those in recovery. Relapse can occur because of social gatherings, family dynamics, and exposure to alcohol and drugs. During Thanksgiving, recovering individuals may face these challenges:
Social pressures. Holidays are synonymous with alcohol consumption, making it difficult for individuals in recovery to avoid social situations with alcohol. It is possible that family members, friends, or colleagues do not completely understand the challenges of sobriety.
Emotional triggers. In times of loss, unresolved issues, loneliness, or isolation, the holidays can be emotionally draining. Staying focused on recovery can be challenging when you are emotionally triggered.
Family dynamics. Those in recovery may encounter relatives or friends with whom they have a substance abuse history at family gatherings. Furthermore, family dynamics can exacerbate cravings through stress and anxiety.
In spite of its challenges, Thanksgiving is an opportunity for sober individuals to reinforce their commitment to sobriety and embrace its profound values. Recovery-minded individuals can still enjoy Thanksgiving while maintaining their sobriety by thinking mindfully and gratefully.
Navigating Thanksgiving with Sobriety and Success
The following strategies can help individuals in recovery navigate Thanksgiving and maintain sobriety:
Managing recovery before Thanksgiving.
In order to prepare for the holiday season, it's important to anticipate potential triggers. It is best to plan ahead for each holiday, whether it is Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year's.
As Thanksgiving approaches, here are a few things you can do:
Attend extra meetings. An extra recovery meeting prior to a potentially triggering event can be helpful. When you spend time with peers in recovery, you can discuss any problems that may arise and how you plan to address them.
Practice more self-care. In order to manage stress levels during the holidays and avoid relapse, consider taking some yoga classes or sitting in meditation for a while before the holiday.
Consider skipping the event. It's okay if you're not ready yet to attend a family gathering. Your family members will understand. Instead of celebrating the holiday on your own, plan a sober outing with a friend.
Host your own Thanksgiving gathering. Alternatively, you can host your own Thanksgiving gathering to avoid drinking alcohol. Organize a sober Thanksgiving gathering with only a few friends you know will agree. Maybe some of your closest friends or family members will attend. Consider hosting a Thanksgiving gathering for your recovering friends as well.
Celebrating Thanksgiving and managing recovery.
In recovery, attending a Thanksgiving party is a personal decision. It is important to consider both the state of your recovery as well as the health of your family dynamic before making a decision.
Here are some tips if you plan to attend a Thanksgiving gathering:
Bring your own beverages. An ideal Thanksgiving would be an alcohol-free affair. If not, bringing your nonalcoholic beverages will help you navigate the gathering. It might surprise you how many people will want to try your special holiday beverage. If you're feeling festive, why not try a pumpkin-spiced latte, warm apple cider, or a mocktail?
Offer to help out with the meal or cleaning. By staying busy, you will avoid situations where drinking might be tempting.
Invite a friend to go with you. You might want to bring a sober friend to the gathering if you are able to. As a result, you'll have at least one person who isn't drinking there with you. Your friend might be in recovery or perhaps just doesn't want to drink. The more people who don't drink on Thanksgiving, the easier it is to stay sober. And, your recovery is easier when you have some friendly backup.
Take breaks from the festivities. Try taking a break by going for a walk or listening to some music if you feel overwhelmed.
Have your support system on call. Keep your support system close at hand if you are newly sober during the holidays. If you plan to attend a Thanksgiving party, make sure your sponsor is aware so they are prepared to answer any calls you may make.
Remind yourself of your reasons for staying sober. Staying motivated and focused during the recovery process can help you stay on track.
Have an exit plan. As mentioned above, in order to maintain sobriety during the holidays, planning is key. Identify scenarios that may pose risks to your recovery and develop a risk-mitigation plan. Put in place an exit plan if you come across a trigger.
The Significance of Gratitude in Recovery
Recovery relies heavily on gratitude, which fosters motivation, resilience, and a positive outlook. It is possible to cultivate hope and appreciation in recovery by practicing gratitude, which can serve as an effective antidote to negative thoughts and cravings.
Take time during Thanksgiving to consider the many things you are grateful for, no matter how big or small they may seem. For example, your recovery journey would not have been possible without the support of those who have helped you. Keeping a gratitude journal will also help you keep track of your blessings, and you will be reminded of the good things in your life as you read it.
Conclusion
During Thanksgiving, one can express gratitude while also strengthening one's commitment to sobriety. The holidays can be challenging for individuals in recovery, but by approaching the holidays gratefully and mindfully, they can emerge stronger in the journey of lasting sobriety.