“Worries about gift-giving, finances, and complicated family dynamics can make anyone feel anxious.
Marcum pointed out that these challenges can present the perfect storm for giving up on sobriety.
That being said, relapsing doesn’t have to be a foregone conclusion.
Here’s Marcum’s advice for getting through the holidays while in recovery.
“Keep your stress levels down.
“Stress can contribute to relapse, so this is especially important during the busy holiday season.”
Another key component of self-care is being comfortable saying “no” to situations that could threaten your recovery.
“Set healthy boundaries for your time,” Marcum said.
And you don’t need to provide lengthy excuses, either.
“There’s no need to over-explain yourself or stay longer than you desire,” Marcum added.
This means using all of the resources and strategies that have contributed to your success.
“Keep in touch with your support system,” she explained.
“The holidays can be a busy time, but it is essential to maintain healthy support.”
Tap into the resources that have been helpful to you throughout this entire process.
Also take some time to review the work you did when you first began recovery, she added.
“Create or revisit your relapse prevention plan,” Marcum said.
