How to cope with Christmas when in early recovery

In early recovery the individual may be fuelled with some worries about the festive season. This time of year, can be challenging. With families and friends gathering together for celebrations and the first year being sober might seem scary.

As with British drinking culture, Christmas can often revolve around drinking and getting drunk. Many people are going out for work nights out or Christmas meals. If you are in recovery, you can still enjoy these things if you have the support around you. It is the party season and this means there will be a lot of people drinking alcohol and consuming drugs throughout this holiday period.

The potential pressure or ‘sober-shaming’ individuals may face during this time shouldn’t impact their sobriety if they surround themselves with people who have the individual’s best interest at heart. They aren’t being a ‘party pooper’ they are doing the best for them and their journey.

Christmas is a time to celebrate family, relationships and love. It is about being present and experiencing genuine emotions. It is about enjoying lots of delicious food. It is about reflecting on things in your life and looking at what you are grateful for. Surrounding yourself with people that you love and that reciprocate that back to you.

It Is important to remember that an individual is never alone in recovery. That even in difficult times when they might be surrounded by people who are drinking or using that there is a reason why they aren’t. The individual needs to remember why they started their recovery journey and what’s important to them. Being around people who have the persons best interests at heart is also important.