Alpine Centers Addiction and Mental Health Healing

Welcome to Alpine Center for Personal Growth & Alpine Medical Services

Alpine Centers Logo Resolution
Register Now
Call Now 801-268-1715

Medical

Outpatient Detox for Alcohol and Opiates

Mental Health

CBT/DBT In Person and Online

Addiction

Outpatient Group and Individual Therapy
Menu

5 Helpful Tips For Staying Sober This Holiday Season

  • November 15, 2017

The holidays are festive and social and fun. They can be so enjoyable, but they can also be a trap for social or binge drinking. Alcohol is often available at holiday parties, and even encouraged. You may face plenty of choices for free and abundant drinking.

The holidays can also be a stressful and lonely time for many people, so the temptation to drink for numbing or social purposes can be elevated. If you find yourself sober and looking to stay that way, we have some helpful tips for helping you reach your goals and enjoy this holiday season alcohol- and drug-free.

5 Helpful Tips For Staying Sober This Holiday Season

1. Share Your Goals. Being clear and upfront about your expectations and goals can turn your friends and family into allies and teammates. Ask them to provide an alternative drink option, or volunteer to bring it yourself. Ask your friends and family in advance to support your decision to stay sober.

2. Create a Mantra. Coming up with your own personal mantra for staying sober during the holidays can keep you strong and proud of your efforts. Remind yourself why you want to stay sober, or a specific motivation that can help you resist any temptations. “I want to live happy and healthy.” Or “After the holidays I will be X days/weeks/months sober!”

3. With the busy (and cold) holiday season, it can be tempting to go a little lax on some of your healthy habits. The guilt or disorientation that can come from skipping workouts can sometimes lead to using again. Maintain your exercise regimen, and even consider adding a new element. Try a yoga class or seasonal ice skating!

4. Be Decisive. You don’t need to go to every single party to which you are invited. Carefully choose parties that don’t revolve around alcohol, and skip those that are with old crowds that would encourage your drinking or partying. Once at a party, decide when you’ll leave or certain cues that might indicate it’s time for you to go home – such as a party getting a little wild, or when you feel the first temptation to drink. It will pay off to have your decisions made, and you’ll feel strong control by making your own choices.

5. Celebrate! Use this holiday season to fill your life with joy. See those you love. Celebrate your recovery and the work you’ve done this year to improve your life! Focus on the great things in your life and the progress you have made. You deserve happiness in this the happiest of seasons – so enjoy it!

We wish all of you a happy, healthy, safe, and sober holiday season this year. May you find time to experience the joy you deserve and the strength to maintain your commitments to life.