A time for family, food and entertainment is Thanksgiving. However, it’s also a time when a lot of people have trouble staying sober during the holidays. This may make the holiday more stressful than usual for you or a loved one who is battling addiction, and that’s okay! Here are some strategies for handling your feelings during this trying time as you enjoy a sober Thanksgiving and reduce stress.:
Don’t Go to the Thanksgiving Gathering Alone
If you’re going to a Thanksgiving celebration, it is a good idea to make sure that you have someone with you who can encourage you in your goal of staying sober during the holidays. That way, if something happens and you feel like starting back down the path of drinking or using again, there will be an adult present who can help make sure that doesn’t happen. Also, be sure not to let yourself get isolated at any point during the night. Make sure that there are people around who can engage in a conversation, game, or hobby. It’s always better when everyone feels comfortable enough in one another’s company, so they don’t want anything else but to enjoy a sober Thanksgiving together.
Get Busy With a Hobby
Having a pastime can support a sober Thanksgiving while also being helpful for your mental health. It can make you feel more like a part of the world and offer you something to concentrate on when things in life become challenging.
Hobbies are a great way to meet new people as well. If these interests are brand-new to you, you might try getting into crafting, photography, or music production. The key is to pick a pastime that interests you enough to divert your attention from other aspects of your life.
At Daylight Recovery Center, we have lots of different hobbies available for our patients. We offer recreational activities you can pick up as a hobby; there’s even a pool table and board games if you’re looking for something more interactive! We encourage all our patients to get involved with some kind of activity during their stay. It makes them feel less alone compared to those who continue to use alcohol or drugs.
Talk to Someone New
You’re probably not going to be able to talk with everyone you know, but some people might have a lot of experience with what you’re going through and understand how they can help. If they’re sober and won’t drink or use drugs while they’re around you, that’s even better!
You can meet new people in the Daylight Recovery Center, but it’s also a good idea to try and reach out beyond the walls of our treatment center. You can talk with other people trying to quit drinking or using drugs, and even those who aren’t in recovery but are still sober can help you!
Get Outside and Into Nature
Nature is one of the best ways to relax, enjoy a sober Thanksgiving, and walk off some calories from your dinner. Being surrounded by people who love and care about you and going outside into nature can help you feel better as you have fun with your friends and family celebrating a sober Thanksgiving.
The great thing about getting outside is that it gives us an opportunity to connect with our surroundings in a way that we wouldn’t normally do at home or work—which means we’ll be able to see things differently than before! This could lead us down paths of self-reflection, maybe even some soul searching after spending some time alone or with loved ones in nature (even if just walking around).
Do Something for Someone Else
You can do something for someone else. It doesn’t have to be big or expensive, but it does need to be meaningful; if you need help with how, try volunteering at a charity, donating money or goods to people in need, and offering your services as a babysitter or pet sitter. If you want to give back more than just one day of the year, consider starting an annual charity drive for a cause you care about, such as children’s cancer research that benefits local hospitals and causes throughout the community.
Daylight Recovery Center in Florida
For clients looking for assistance with substance abuse and other mental health issues, our drug rehab center provides a variety of addiction treatments. Our Treatment Center For Addiction aids patients in overcoming addiction and acquiring the skills necessary for staying sober during the holidays.
Conclusion to How To Have The Best Sober Thanksgiving Ever
We hope you were able to express your gratitude as you enjoy a sober Thanksgiving. Do not be reluctant to get in touch with our recovery center in Florida if you are ready to begin staying sober during the holidays. Please let Daylight Recovery Center know if you have any questions about our programs or if you’re ready to take the next step in your recovery.
