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- The 24-hour plan (or Minute by Minute): Each day of the holiday, choose not to get high that day without thinking too far ahead. If one day at a time gets too hard, take it an hour at a time. If that gets too hard, take it a minute at a time.
- Daily Dial-In: Put your counselor on speed dial for regular holiday check-ins.
- Attend recovery support groups near your home during the holiday season.
- Make a “Top Five.” Five people you can call if you’re craving alcohol or drugs. Let them know you will be calling them for support!
- Family function: Ask for support from non-drug using relatives.
- Strength training. Regular exercise is a powerful tool for building your recovery muscles and improving your fitness. Like drugs and alcohol, exercise releases dopamine and endorphins, the hormones that make you feel happy.
- Change your routes. Avoid triggers by listing and staying away from places where you used to drink or use.
- Connect with your sponsor. If you have a 12-step sponsor, check in with them daily.
- Soothe your spirit: Engage in activities daily that uplift your spirit, like meditation, yoga, prayer.
- Write about it. Keep a daily gratitude journal.
- Give back! Volunteer your time or services during the holiday.
- Graceful exits. If you’re at an event and feel tempted to get high, give yourself permission to leave early.
- Mission statement: Write a letter to yourself entitled: “This is how I plan to stay sober during the holiday.” Mail it to yourself in a holiday card!
- Benefits Plan: Write a letter to yourself on the benefits of recovery during the holiday. Remind yourself that you won’t know the benefits until you experience them. There’s so much to look forward to!
- Avoid HALT during the holiday: Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired.
- Plan ahead. Predict high-risk situations and let your counselor know how you
will deal with each situation. - Take 10. If you’re craving a drink or drugs, wait 10 minutes, then 10
more minutes. Do something with your hands that takes you away from the cravings in your head: sweep the floor, vacuum, etc. - Think it forward: If you ‘re thinking about using, think about how you will feel the next day if you’re hungover or sober.
- Tune in, not out (or play it forward): Create your special recovery playlist. Include songs from any season that inspire you to maintain your recovery. Keep this playlist on your phone as a handy tool to tum to resist triggers.
- Walk about. The holiday season brings longer days and less sunlight, but a brisk walk in nature under a starry winter sky can restore your spirit.