Holidays in Recovery

Holidays in recovery can be tough for some. Most people in early recovery from addiction dread the holiday season. It’s a time of merriment, over-eating, and consumption of alcoholic beverages. I guess if the person’s addiction was cocaine or some other drug, the holidays can just as hard. There’s something about the holiday season at the end of year that makes people want to relax and enjoy themselves. The problem with addiction is that it never takes a holiday.

Although the temptation might be great to rationalize just a few drinks, a few joints or a few lines as the new year rolls around, the recovering addict, especially in early recovery, has to take precautions. People in early recovery learn they don’t have to take a mood altering drug, and, yes, alcohol is a mood altering drug, to have a good time. Going to a big holiday party when you are in early recovery, though, might be awkward – you’re stone cold sober and the tension can get uncomfortable, so you might want to skip the parties you know will be a little rowdy, or you might want to carry along a supportive friend who understands your recovery.

If you’re attending AA or NA, they usually have holiday celebrations that really teach the newcomer how to laugh, relax and have a good time without booze or any other drug. Most people who have been in recovery for a few years have no problem at all around the holidays, they can go to parties, be around frivolity and not feel at all awkward, although many find that people who drink a lot at parties aren’t as interesting as they seemed before. Many people with years of recovery find other more enriching things to do around the holidays, like spending quality time with family and friends, or helping someone who is in early recovery. The good thing about being clean and straight during the holidays is you remember what happened and you probably didn’t embarrass yourself. Happy Holidays and have a great New Year! Holidays in recovery are what you make them.