Navigating the Holiday Season as a Recovering Addict: 

Tips for a Joyful and Safe Christmas

As the festive season approaches, many people feel a mix of excitement and anxiety. For those in recovery from alcohol and other drug (AOD) use, Christmas can be especially challenging. The holiday season is often focused on social gatherings, family events, and situations where substances are commonly present.

At Better Together Community Support, we understand the unique hurdles the holidays can bring. If you’re on the recovery journey, there are ways to move through the season with safety, strength, and joy.

Prioritising your support network is crucial. The holidays can feel isolating, especially when it seems like everyone is in celebration mode. Remember, you’re not alone. Reach out to friends, family, support groups or online recovery communities for connection and encouragement.

As a local community centre, Better Together Community Support is here to help during the lead-up to Christmas. While our offices will close from December 25 to January 2, services like the Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS) are available 24/7 at 1800 250 015. They provide compassionate guidance and support throughout the holiday season.

Planning ahead for potential triggers can also make a significant difference. Holiday gatherings often include people, places and situations that may trigger cravings. Identify these in advance and create a plan to deal with them. Whether it’s leaving an event early, attending with a supportive friend, or having a quick “check-in” routine with someone in your support network, preparing for triggers can make them easier to manage.

Recovery offers the opportunity to rediscover joy in activities that don’t revolve around substances. Creating new traditions is a wonderful way to reclaim the season. Whether it’s baking holiday treats, volunteering or sharing quality time with loved ones, meaningful activities like these can help make the holidays truly yours and align them with your values.

It’s also important to recognise that not every event will feel safe or comfortable, and that’s okay. Protecting your progress might mean saying no to situations that feel overwhelming. If you decide to attend a gathering, having a clear exit strategy can give you a sense of control and ease any anxiety about being there. Knowing you can leave at any time can make the experience more manageable.

The holiday season often brings added pressures, so prioritise self-care. Eating well, getting rest, exercising and practising mindfulness are all simple, but effective ways to support yourself through the season. Small self-care routines can be grounding and help you handle holiday stress.

The holidays in recovery are a milestone worth celebrating. Take time to reflect on how far you’ve come and acknowledge your strength and resilience. Every step forward is an achievement and every day in recovery is a testament to your determination.

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