Thanksgiving Day is a time for family and football, mashed potatoes, and turkey. And, yes, for some people, it’s also a time of drinking. For someone who is in recovery, that’s a big problem. You want to have a sober Thanksgiving, but the pressures to give in and return to your old ways of substance abuse surround you.
You’re happy to sip from your holiday punch, but the people around you keep offering you alcohol or even something more intoxicating. Don’t let the holidays knock you off your path. Consider ways to have a sober Thanksgiving.
Tips for Having a Sober Thanksgiving
More than anything, having a sober Thanksgiving requires adopting the mindset that you’re going to put your sobriety first. It may be that you’ll end up as the only sober person at the family party. That’s OK. You’ve worked hard to get to this point — too hard to let the pressures of the holidays knock you off your path. Here are some tips for having a sober Thanksgiving and avoiding a return of substance abuse:
- Figure out what you’ll say. Undoubtedly someone will offer you a drink. Having a prepared script will make it easier.
- Don’t arrive too early. Being one of the first could translate into pressure right from the start.
- Bring along a sober friend. There is power in numbers!
- Supply your own non-alcoholic beverages. If you’re a guest, that makes it easier to turn down alcohol.
- Develop an escape plan. There may come a point where it all becomes too much. Know when it’s time to excuse yourself.
It’s not easy to face peer pressure as you pursue a sober Thanksgiving. But you do not want to let substance abuse return.
Alternative Thanksgiving Activities
The best option of all may be to avoid the big family party altogether. That would be unfortunate, but having a sober Thanksgiving first is most important. Here are a few ideas for getting away from it all:
- Stay home with your immediate family. In the evening, take them all out to the movies. Or, have a movie marathon right from the comfort of home.
- Take a trip. The weather is cooler anyways, and there may be snow on the ground. Enjoy the changing leaves and see something new.
- Plan a volunteer activity. Go help at a homeless shelter or church. Focusing on people less fortunate is a way of getting out of your head and looking at life differently.
Having a sober Thanksgiving can be stressful. But with some careful planning, you can chart a new course.
If You Need Help
Addiction is a powerful disease. Even with the most careful consideration, you may still find yourself backsliding from all the pressure. You’re human. If that does happen, and you have to start again, don’t hesitate to get professional addiction help.
Use the resources of aftercare. Contact your sponsor for encouragement. Schedule a counseling session with a trained therapist in the days before or after. You are not alone.
More than anything, go easy on yourself. For some people, the holidays are a challenging period emotionally. Get yourself centered, follow some of these tips, and keep sobriety at the forefront. You can do it!
Stay Sober with Blueprint Recovery Center
Thanksgiving is a time for family get-togethers and reconnecting with friends. Sometimes though, the holiday brings you together with people who may not have your best interests at heart. Stay strong and don’t let them make Thanksgiving about substance abuse. Insist on a sober Thanksgiving. If that proves impossible, and you should slip back into old habits, you can count on Blueprint Recovery Center to stand by your side. Our center offers decades of experience in addiction treatment. Our experienced staff specializes in outpatient treatment options such as intensive outpatient programs and partial hospitalization programs. We’ll support your sober Thanksgiving and your sobriety every day of the year. Reach out for a consultation by calling Blueprint Recovery Center at 833.654.1004 today for an initial consultation.
