How to Enjoy the Holidays During Outpatient Addiction Treatment
It’s the holiday season, but when you are in outpatient addiction treatment this time of year can be anything but delightful. With the presents, the family meals, and not to mention the family members that you may not be ready to face after being in outpatient drug treatment, it can be challenging to actually enjoy the holidays for what they are. Here are a few tips to help you relax, get the best out of your holiday season with your recovery in mind.
Know your Limits During Outpatient Addiction Treatment
You can’t be everywhere at once, so knowing that being unavailable is an option will be instrumental in your plans to enjoy your holidays during outpatient drug treatment. Practice saying “no”, especially to commitments that you know you won’t be able to handle or that might conflict with your sobriety. Maintaining your sobriety and taking care of yourself is the most important thing for your recovery (and your happiness) so accept the fact that you have limitations and don’t be afraid to delegate or ask for help when you need it.
Pace is Key in Substance Abuse Treatment
Pacing yourself is a good way to keep your holiday season manageable as well as enjoyable. Make a to-do list, set deadlines and write them down in your calendar. Have goals set out at the beginning of each day and plan accordingly. Spend enough time on holiday activities each day, so that tomorrow’s quota will meet the following day’s. Do whatever it is you have to do to keep a level head and maintain a steady work ethic towards completing your holiday goals.
Keep Stress Low in Recovery with Simplicity
Think simple and try your best to reduce the stress on yourself by trying not to make your holiday celebrations over the top. For example, it is common when hosting a holiday party to let your guests know that the party is a potluck. That way you are able to save money, keep your stress level to a minimum and enjoy the company of your friends and family.
For those in an outpatient addiction treatment program, it’s easy to feel alone during the holidays even if you are surrounded by people you love. Whether you’re overwhelmed with a long holiday to-do list or you’re just having a hard time focusing on your recovery goals, don’t think that just because it is the holiday season that you can’t reach out to those around you (or someone from your recovery center) and ask for help.
Make Friends But Be Your Own Friend, Too
Remind yourself that this is a holiday, breathe, laugh, watch an entertaining movie, do anything you can do to keep yourself in check. Call a friend, wish them well for the holiday season. However, make sure to leave time at the end of each day and spend it on yourself. Sometimes it is better to just do nothing. Seriously, nothing means nothing! Do not answer emails or texts, allow yourself time to relax and really enjoy time to yourself.
Remember, if you are feeling stressed about your recovery and keeping up with the holidays, we are just a call away. Please call Discovery Transitions today at +1-(866)-916-3211.
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