The holiday season, for most, is a happy time filled with quality time with family, favourite traditions, and celebrations. However, for those struggling with addiction recovery, the holidays bring a whirlwind of emotions that increase the temptation to turn to substances as a coping mechanism.
Caving to these temptations can have devastating consequences on your progress towards sobriety, with the potential for a relapse jeopardising your physical, emotional, and social well-being.
The good news is that sobriety is possible. It begins with a commitment to prioritising your emotional well-being and embracing a few time-tested healthy coping mechanisms.
The Risks of Substance Abuse as a Coping Mechanism
The temptation to turn to substances to cope with the rollercoaster of emotions means it is critical to know the dangers and long-term consequences substance abuse can bring.
Relief is an Illusion
When you are faced with intense emotions like stress, anxiety, and loneliness, substances can create a false sense of escape. The initial relief and relaxation created by the drugs is a temporary relief that comes at a significant cost. When the effects wear off, the emotions can resurface with greater intensity and come with unpleasant physical and psychological effects.
Risk of Relapse
If you are in recovery, a return to substance abuse puts your hard-earned sobriety at risk, potentially setting you back months of progress and redoing the work of rebuilding relationships, restoring physical and mental health, and regaining control over your life.
Healthy Coping Strategies for Managing Emotions Without Substances
There are many healthy coping strategies you can use to manage the intense emotions associated with the holidays without risking your sobriety.
Mindfulness and Meditation
By practising mindfulness and meditation, you learn to anchor yourself in the present. This allows you to observe your thoughts and feelings without judgement, bringing about a sense of calm and clarity. The great thing about mindfulness techniques is that you can use them anywhere whenever you feel emotional turmoil that may tempt you into using a substance.
Exercise and Physical Activity
Regular physical exercise triggers the brain to release all sorts of healthy feel-good hormones, like endorphins. Vigorous physical exercise is also a healthy outlet for releasing pent-up emotions, creating a constructive channel for relieving stress and negative energy.
Try going for a brisk walk, doing some jumping jacks or pushups, or joining a team sport. Any type of physical activity can be a powerful coping strategy.
Creative Outlets
Creative activities can be an excellent way to process and express emotions. You could try journaling, painting, drawing, or learning a musical instrument. Creative expression can also foster a sense of accomplishment and personal growth to build on the more positive sense of self and meaning beyond the challenges you face.
Get Professional Support
The road to sobriety can be tough and filled with obstacles. A little help from a professionally trained support counsellor or therapist can help you get over the barriers. Support counsellors who understand your challenges can help you explore emotions, create coping strategies, and give guidance and encouragement during your low moments.
Create New Holiday Traditions
The holidays can be a source of emotional triggers, with reminders of past experiences sometimes triggering a return to substance abuse.
Rather than allowing these past events to affect you in the present, creating new holiday traditions that better align with a sober lifestyle can be empowering.
Explore Alternative Activities
One way to establish new traditions is to explore alternative activities that are fun and fulfilling without the need for substances. You could try outdoor adventures such as hiking or camping or get involved with community projects.
Enjoy sober-friendly events like holiday-themed concerts, plays, or festivals, such as carols by candlelight, to create shared experiences without drugs or alcohol.
Add Meaningful Rituals
Start your day with meaningful rituals or practices that put you in a healthy mindset. For example, you could start each day with a mindfulness or meditation practice like the journaling mentioned above. You could also participate in a support group or recovery-focused gathering.
Rituals help you stay grounded so you can process emotions in a healthy way. They also cultivate a sense of community and belonging during a time that may otherwise be isolating and triggering.
Find Help to Get Through the Holidays
Don't let the holidays derail your progress or compromise your well-being. Contact Reset My Future today and take advantage of our free consultation to start building a personalised plan for managing emotions without substances, and finding joy and fulfilment in a sober lifestyle. The journey from holiday stress to sobriety success is within your reach, and the right support can make all the difference.
