St. Louis Addiction Counseling

Tips for Recovery during the holidays! ❤️ These are tools I share with my clients and wanted to share with those who are sober, maybe just wanting to avoid the holiday booze or are supporting someone in recovery.

1) Bring your own “getaway car.” Most newly sober people find they like to be at social events for a good time but not necessarily a long time. Once there, you may find that you want to linger, but having your own transport will allow you to be in control. It’s ok to stay a few hours and be done.

2) Have an accountability partner. One supportive person who knows you aren’t drinking can help you feel supported as you navigate the occasion.

3) Having a craving? Get busy! Find something to do. Help clean up, take a quick walk, go play with the kids. Movement and distraction can help.

4) Bring your own drinks and make it fun. It’s your holiday too. If you never allow yourself a cold Coca Cola in a glass bottle… bring it! Look up some fun mock-tails and make them in a beautiful glass. These substitutes will help you feel like you are a part of the festivities.

5) Set boundaries. If certain parties, dinner or people feel unsafe to you, then guess what? You don’t have to do it. You can always say no in order to protect your physical, spiritual, emotional and financial health.

Enjoy experiencing the holidays fully present.

It’s world mental health day. Remember, suffering with mental health issues doesn’t make you weak or broken. Everyone will experience seasons of life where they need support and sometimes professional support. If you are suffering, please don’t do it alone. There are a wealth of community resources and people who have walked through grief, addiction, panic attacks, etc… that would love to remind you that shame dies in a community of safe people where the most healing words you might hear are, “I have been there too.”

❤️