Navigating the holiday season when you’re new to recovery can be a challenge, especially on days when drinking alcohol is a common activity, such as on New Year’s Eve. An addiction treatment center can help you plan for success in recovery—including during challenging times like the holidays.
To learn more about substance use treatment and recovery support, call 844.470.0410 today and ask about the programs at Vertava Health Mississippi.
How to Have a Sober New Year’s Eve
Don’t underestimate the importance of a sober New Year’s Eve. Especially if you’re new to recovery, it can be tempting to think of holidays as special occasions that justify a drink. Anyone in recovery from substance use has likely heard the saying, “There’s no such thing as ‘just one.’”
Heading into New Year’s Eve without a plan to maintain recovery sets you up for a relapse. Fortunately, thinking ahead about how to have a sober New Year’s Eve can help you ring in the New Year with your sobriety intact.
1. Plan Your Activities in Advance
The holidays can be triggering for those in recovery. Alcohol is often a central element of family gatherings and work parties.
The best defense for holiday sobriety is a strong offense. Know in advance where you’ll go and what you’ll do on New Year’s Eve. If possible, avoid gatherings with alcohol entirely.
If that’s not possible, identify what you’ll do instead of drinking. Planning to watch television programs, cook a meal, or play board games are all ways to have an established schedule laid out in advance.
Going with the flow on New Year’s Eve is usually a bad idea. It can be all too easy to suddenly find yourself in a bar or at a party. It’s much easier to avoid relapse if you’re vigilant about where you’ll go, what you’ll do, and who you’ll spend the evening with.
2. Choose a New Holiday Beverage
A central part of New Year’s Eve is staying up until midnight to toast the New Year. However, choosing sobriety doesn’t mean you have to give up all holiday traditions. Choose a new holiday beverage to toast in the New Year. Popular choices include:
- Apple cider
- Eggnog
- Sparkling apple juice
- Hot chocolate
If you want something more interesting, a quick internet search will bring up countless recipes for holiday mocktails.
3. Make Recovery a Part of Your Celebration
Placing your recovery at the forefront helps keep your priorities straight. Plan to attend a support group meeting in person or online on New Year’s Eve. Many 12-step groups hold New Year’s Eve parties specifically to provide an avenue for holiday fun without the presence of alcohol.
If you still plan to meet up with friends or family who aren’t in recovery, put an escape route in place in case the evening doesn’t go as you planned. Choose a few trusted friends, and offer to keep one another accountable for the evening. Use a group chat to check in throughout the night.
Support with Sobriety at Vertava Health Mississippi
At Vertava Health Mississippi, we understand the importance of a sober New Year’s Eve. We also understand that when you have support, understanding, and relationships with others in recovery, you have a much better chance of making a lasting recovery from alcohol use disorder.
Whether you’re ready to stop drinking or you’re already in recovery and need some extra support, Vertava Health Mississippi is here to help. We offer inpatient and outpatient treatment and are proud to have a strong alumni community of individuals who continue to support one another once treatment comes to an end.
Give us a call today at 844.470.0410 to learn more about getting support with sobriety during the holiday season at Vertava Health Mississippi.
