For those in recovery, the holidays pose a challenge. Many families celebrate gatherings with alcohol. However, if you are in a recovery program or want to avoid exposure to substances, this presents a difficult challenge. It’s critical to talk to your family members about having a sober Thanksgiving. If you need assistance in this task, reach out to Memphis Recovery today at 901-272-7751.
Discuss Your Need for a Sober Thanksgiving
If you are currently in a recovery program, you need to tell your family about it. Talk to them about the work you have put into getting sober. Additionally, emphasize that your work needs help from your family members. Let them know that you should stay away from substances to ensure that your recovery continues. You may even be in the middle of a recovery program. If this is the case, make your family aware of this case.
For those enrolled in an active recovery program, having a sober Thanksgiving is vital to continuing to make progress. For example, if you have already passed the first phase of recovery, a residential or inpatient rehab program, you may still have other levels of care to pass through, which include:
- Partial hospitalization program (PHP)
- Intensive outpatient program (IOP)
- Outpatient rehab program
- Aftercare
Reaching each level depends on how well you do in your current state. To move up, you should avoid any temptations, even when you spend your holiday away from the recovery center. You will want to report to the recovery center staff that you were able to enjoy a sober Thanksgiving. Therefore, you must let your family know the importance of your ability to spend the day substance-free.
Request Alternatives to Alcohol at the Holiday
Some families will not want to give up their alcohol to accommodate another person. If your family insists on serving alcoholic drinks, request that you only have non-alcoholic options available for you. For instance, instead of having wine at dinner, request cranberry juice in your glass for a flavorful drink that remains in the holiday spirit. You could also enjoy seltzer water instead of champagne. You can also have your drinks served in the same glasses that everyone else uses if you want to avoid standing out for your choice to have a sober Thanksgiving.
Ensure that you talk to someone before the gathering, such as a trusted family member or friend, to help you when you feel tempted. You can text or talk to them when you feel your mind starting to think about drinking or substance use. By distracting yourself, you might overcome the urge temporarily. Standing with your trusted person also makes it harder for you to use substances because that person will try to stop you.
Volunteer to Act as the Sober Driver
Another way to ensure that you stay sober during the long Thanksgiving weekend is to offer to be the sober driver in your family. This duty includes running to the grocery store to pick up last-minute ingredients during preparations for the party. By having a specific job, others at your family gathering will ensure that you have a sober Thanksgiving.
Even if you don’t drive, you can still offer the designated person to keep others who imbibe from driving. Putting a sober individual in charge of the keys at the gathering can ensure that someone with a clear head will be responsible. You’ll have to make the decisions about who can safely drive home and who needs a ride.
Contact Us at Memphis Recovery
While you will face challenges during the holidays, don’t feel alone. You can get help for your addiction to make Thanksgiving and other feasts easier. For more information about our addiction recovery programs, contact us at Memphis Recovery by dialing 901-272-7751. We have several programs that can help you to work toward recovery.
