Holiday Triggers? Tips and Tools to get through it!

Recovery
#1

Holidays can be very difficult especially early in sobriety. In my early sobriety I felt so out of place. Here are some things I did that helped me a great deal.

  • called my sober network every day. At least 5 people a day.
  • planned a meeting Nov 24-Jan 2 in advance
  • volunteered to do service in and out if the program
    -shared my challenges every day. What we don’t get out kills us inside. Of it is something not to be shared with a group, speak to a trusted friend.

Post your tips below and if you are struggling, let us know so we can help!

You are not alone

:pray::heart:

30 Likes
#2

Thank you brother MJ! Thanks to so many wonderful people (like you), I woke up this morning with enough gratitude to share with all that need any. For me it’s meetings, phone calls, texts, and being vulnerable. All of these have 1 thing in common….connection! I’ve heard you and many others say addiction is a disease of isolation and recovery is all about connection. We need to get out of our sick heads, and take action. If you’re having issues getting out because of your anxiety, pray for the strength and courage to push thru the fear. Recovery is about overcoming the negative bs our sick thoughts are telling us. One last thing is the good ole serenity prayer. Change yourself and let others be :pray::peace_symbol::heart:

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#3

Thanks so much. Great advice!!

Thanks as always for your constant dedication to the Loosid community

:pray::heart:

1 Like
#4

Writing what I am grateful for day by day helps me to recognize the how far I have come and stay present in what is going on now - not comparing myself to an imaginary "could have been" version. Life is beautiful if you pay attention :sunglasses: :orange_heart:!

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#5

I’m going to walk in the serenity prayer today because I already want to clobber someone with a turkey leg. I went to the gym at 7:30 in the morning but that release faded quickly. This is my first sober holiday so I’m going to get back to this post after it’s over. :orange_heart::brown_heart::orange_heart:

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#6

Wedad that’s amazing that it is you’d first sober holiday. I am soooo happy for you. You have been such an inspiration to the Loosid community.

:pray::heart:

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#7

That is so beautifully said Melissa. Appreciate you so much for your constant support. Life IS beautiful if you pay attention. So we’ll put. :pray::heart:

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#9
#10

In my mornin meditations I set goals to practice intentional direction. I know things will get under my skin but I make it a point to practice choosing my focus. When a shame trigger hits I’ll spend 15 seconds saying “I choose to release myself from the shame of…” or when a resentment pops up I can think “I choose to accept that I can forgive…” Normally I’m an emotions guy but this conscious focus primes me in the moment and helps turn the in-the-moment practice of forgiveness into long term serenity.

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#11

Remember daily that other people's emotions can not make me use. Only I can.

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#12

I just try to be helpful in the kitchen or watch football. I try to stay away from politics and the bar…

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#13

Do your 10th step anytime...

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#14

Holidays are extremely difficult for me right now. I'm not able to celebrate with my son, as I'm in a resedential drug treatment program

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#15

Mine is 100% gratitude for the things most people take for granted. From something as big as finally when I wake up in the morning I now have a roof over my head all the way down to little things like having a fridge to keep food in. My addiction took all that away from me at one point. I was alone broke, tired and hungry. No one wanted to be near me anymore. Today I have my own place and custody of my son. I'm grateful every single day that I'm sober enough to own a pizza cutter.

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#16

Keep your head up. You might miss them now but just think how they missed YOU while you were out using. This is the best thing you can do.

#17

Bingo. Well said Brian. We have no choice in the disease but sobriety is a choice that we do have.

#18

Being in a program is the best gift you can give yourself and your family.

#19

Great tips!

#20

You're giving him and you an amazing gift. Soon you'll have a bright future together; and can celebrate holidays together. Hang in there.

#21

Thank you, I'm at a resedential drug treatment program, my son is with his aunt. I'm having very bad panic attacks. Do you know of anything that I cam do to relax outside of meditation