Many men and women in early recovery have a difficult time with holidays. For some, the challenge comes from memories of times long gone—before alcohol or drugs became a problem. Others are saddened by not being able to spend time with old friends that were once a fixture in their lives. While newly clean and sober people understand that they are on a different path today, they may still struggle with accepting their newfound life at times.Even though it might be pleasing to see old faces, one must weigh that against the many cons of spending time with people who do not share your current goals. It is a must to let go of the idea that being around drinking isn’t a big deal. If you have been invited to an event that does not include others in recovery, choosing not to attend is always the safest course of action.The countdown to Independence Day has begun, and it’s imperative that people in their first year of sobriety take action. Many unwelcome feelings may arise very shortly and taking steps to prevent problems from occurring is critical. It is times like these that one’s boundaries must be most robust; addiction is always trying to edge its way back into a person’s life.Those who keep in constant contact with their support network (e.g., sponsors and recovery peers) are better able to avoid problems during holidays. It’s no secret that alcohol and Independence Day go hand in hand for a majority of adults. As such, the likelihood that people in recovery will be exposed to triggers is extraordinarily high. Men and women who put their recovery first tomorrow can keep their sobriety intact.
Holidays can be tricky for people in working a program. On the one hand, there is the inclination to relax and soak up the sun; on the other, the reality is that addiction does not take vacations. It is imperative that individuals do not let their guard down on the Fourth of July.Prioritizing the needs of one’s recovery is of the utmost benefit. The Fourth is a special day and is worth observing, but continual progress requires continued effort. Just because tomorrow is a holiday doesn’t mean men and women can forgo meetings; attending more meetings than usual is recommended.Being present at one’s homegroup during a holiday helps people stay grounded and calm. Those who are in recovery need to put themselves in a position to avoid triggers and ward off urges quickly. Being in the company of like-minded individuals who are committed to long-term recovery is the best way to accomplish the above goal.Taking measures to support your program tomorrow via meetings will help strengthen your resolve to abstain. It is best to continue spending time with your peers once you are through with meetings for the day. Each year, on the Fourth, people in recovery come together to have fun. Find out about the recovery-related events taking place in your area; Independence Day cookouts are a ton of fun.At NorthStar Transitions, we hope that you have a plan in place for staying sober and having fun tomorrow. If ever you find yourself in an uncomfortable situation, please remember that the helping hand of recovery is always a phone call away.
Please contact NST if you are struggling with drugs, alcohol, or co-occurring mental illness. Our highly skilled and trained clinical staff can help you find freedom from addiction and lead a productive life in recovery. We are available at any time of the day to answer your questions about our programs. 303-558-6400
