• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
800-799-4673
  • Contact
  • Refer a Patient
  • Visit
  • Giving
  • Events
Search
Ashley - Everything for Recovery
Search Menu
  • Our Approach
    • Clinical Care
    • Medical Care
    • Spiritual Care
  • Addiction Treatment
    • Inpatient Care
      • Primary Care
      • Emerging Adult Program
      • Pain Recovery Program
      • Relapse
    • Outpatient Care
      • Outpatient Program
      • Intensive Outpatient Program
      • Partial Hospitalization Program
    • Extended Care
      • Men’s Extended Care
      • Women’s Extended Care
    • Medication Supported Recovery
    • Family Services
      • Family Wellness Program
      • Children and Youth Program
  • Recovery Support
    • Continuing Care
    • Recovery Workshops
    • Family Support
    • Alumni Support
  • Admissions
    • Admissions Inquiry
    • Wellness Screening
    • Payments & Insurance
    • What to Expect
    • For Referring Professionals
      • Clinical Outreach Team
      • Career Achievement Awards
      • Clinical Trainings
  • News & Stories
    • News
    • Blog
    • Media Kit
  • About
    • History
    • Leadership
    • Campus
    • Accommodations & Amenities
    • Careers
    • Annual Reports
    • Oak Store
  • Contact
  • Refer a Patient
  • Visit
  • Giving
  • Events
Hide Search

The Struggle of Being a Recovering Alcoholic During the Holidays

December 19, 2017 by Ashley Addiction Treatment

recovering alcoholic rehab for depression

After struggling with alcohol dependency for years, you’ve successfully completed rehab. Congratulations! When the holidays roll around, however, it can be tough for a recovering alcoholic. You may have party invitations and work functions where alcohol is freely served. How can you deal with the struggle of trying not to relapse?

How a Recovering Alcoholic Can Manage the Holidays

Alcohol is a big part of many celebrations, and this includes holiday festivities. It may seem like everyone around you is having a wonderful time. They’re drinking at Christmas parties and ringing in the new year with champagne.

Meanwhile, you’re wondering how you’ll get through the season. You don’t want to be a party pooper, but you’ve fought hard for your sobriety. As a recovering alcoholic, you can manage the struggle with these tips:

  • Have a plan in place: Create a game plan, including all likely scenarios, before walking out the door. Plan what you’ll do if someone tries to push a drink in your hand or what you’ll drink when it’s time to toast. Take a non-drinking buddy with you so that you don’t feel alone.
  • Have a drink: No, not an alcoholic one. Lots of people at parties just want to see everyone with a glass in their hand. They don’t have to know that yours contains sparkling non-alcoholic apple cider, soda, or plain cranberry juice. You’d be surprised how unconcerned other people are with what you’re drinking as long as you’re holding a cup.
  • Relax: Many people with an alcohol addiction drink because they’re stressed and don’t know how else to handle it. Before you go to a party, do your best to relax, using techniques you learned in rehab. You might meditate, pray, or take a nature hike. Putting yourself into a peaceful state can help you avoid the temptation to drink.

No Such Thing as Moderation

Unfortunately, not everyone who’s close to a recovering alcoholic does their best to help her in her recovery efforts. They might say, “Hey, it’s just one drink!” or they may try to guilt you into drinking.

If you know you’re going to encounter a group like this, you may have to turn down the invitation altogether. Anyone who tries to make you feel bad for putting your sobriety and health first isn’t truly concerned for you. It takes courage to stand up for yourself, but you’re worth it.

Find Lasting Sobriety at Ashley Addiction Treatment

We’re a treatment center that’s ready to help you achieve long-term sobriety. Whether it’s drug or alcohol abuse you’re struggling with, Ashley Addiction Treatment can give you the support and encouragement you need to heal.

Our addiction treatment methods include:

  • Alcohol detox program
  • Drug detox program
  • Family programs
  • Group therapy program
  • Relapse Program for individuals who have experienced a setback in their recovery

Our credentialed experts and caring staff will get you on your way to health and healing. Isn’t it time you overcame addiction and regained control of your life? You can take a step toward recovery by Ashley Addiction Treatment today at 866-313-6307.

Filed Under: Alcohol Addiction, Blog, Rehabilitation Tagged With: addiction treatment, alcohol abuse, recovering alcoholic

Primary Sidebar

  • Contact Us
  • Refer a Patient
  • Visit
  • Giving
  • Events
  • Media Kit
  • Careers
  • Oak Store

Leave a review on Google

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Main Campus
800 Tydings Lane
Havre de Grace, MD 21078
(800) 799-4673

Bel Air Outpatient
802 Baltimore Pike
Bel Air, MD 21014
(866) 697-0674

Elkton Outpatient
Union Hospital Professional Building
111 W. High Street, Suite 109
Elkton, MD 21921
(866) 697-4402

  • NAATP Provider Member
  • AETNA Institutes of Quality
  • The Joint Comission National Quality Approval Accredited by The Joint Commission
    Report a Concern

© 2021 Ashley Addiction Treatment, a registered 501(c)(3).

  • Privacy Policy