If you are in recovery, remaining sober during the holidays can seem challenging, but you are not alone. You may find that alcohol’s presence appears at many festivities or celebrations during the holiday season, but it doesn’t mean you have to consume alcohol to enjoy yourself. If you reminisce on your most cherished memories of Christmas during your childhood, alcohol more than likely did not play a role in your experience. Fortunately, there are countless ways to enjoy the holiday season without consuming alcohol or using any drugs.

If you are in recovery and are nervous about staying sober during this upcoming holiday season, there are numerous fun things to do. If you are currently struggling with sobriety and require help today, treatment options are available to you at Washington-based Bayview Recovery. Our Washington drug and alcohol rehab center offers an array of programs that we tailor to your specific needs. Don’t wait until after the holidays to get the help you need. A better life can begin today by speaking with one of our qualified and compassionate staff members. After placing the first call, Bayview Recovery offers unending support to you throughout the entire recovery process. Better lives begin at Bayview Recovery. Call now at 855.478.3650 to embark on a new life of freedom that only being alcohol or drug-free can offer.

3 Sober Activities for the Holidays

If this is your first holiday season in recovery, it may seem like a terrifying time full of potential triggers and risks of relapsing. However, this doesn’t have to be the case. Having a plan and commitment to your sobriety can help reduce the stress around the holidays while you enjoy each holiday party.

1. Host a Holiday Party

Hosting your holiday dinner or party can ensure that alcohol doesn’t dominate the festivities. Being a host requires more involvement than being a guest, which is perfect for keeping your mind occupied and off of relapsing. Party ideas can include:

• Christmas movie marathon
• Tree-decorating party
• Gift exchange
• Ugly Christmas sweater party
• Wreath-making party
• Pajama party

No matter the theme of your party, having friends and family around you that support your sobriety will help you have fun without any pressure to drink.

2. Volunteer in Your Community

Helping those who are less fortunate can be a great way to get into the holiday spirit. Many organizations and soup kitchens make special holiday meals for those without family or the means to eat a hot meal on Thanksgiving or Christmas. Some organizations ensure that less fortunate children can open a gift on Christmas day. Giving to others is a humbling experience and can keep your mind off drinking. The act of service can remind you of the freedom you have in sobriety and why you want to keep it intact.

3. Give Yourself a Special Gift

Remaining alcohol or drug-free is a huge achievement, and you should feel proud of all the hard work you’ve accomplished. Celebrating your recovery is an excellent way to show yourself all the hard work you’ve put in and what the important changes mean to you. Each day without drugs or alcohol is a celebration in itself. Making it through the holiday season with your sobriety intact deserves a reward. The special gift you give to yourself represents a level of self-care that is an essential component of the inner strength you’ve found in sobriety.

Find a Strong Support System at Bayview Recovery

Having a strong support system can make any challenging time manageable when you have people who care about you to fall back on when times are tough. During the holiday season, it’s important to remember that you are never alone, and there are people in your life who care about you, don’t be hesitant in asking for help when you need it. If you are ever in need of assistance this holiday season, you can find support by:

• Attending a 12-step program like Alcoholics Anonymous (in-person or online)
• Calling a 24-hour hotline that connects you with qualified support in emergencies
• SMART Recovery
• Secular Organizations for Sobriety
• Getting involved with an alumni program like the one at Bayview Recovery

Countless organizations and programs are available to you around the world, and in your community, these programs exist to help you see another day of sobriety. If you are ready to start a sober life today, call Bayview Recovery at 855.478.3650 to get started.