The holiday season isn’t always so much the most wonderful time of the year as it is the most tempting time of the year. For most, that means putting on a few pounds as they overindulge in sumptuous holiday treats. For those people in recovery for a substance abuse problem, however, the holidays can be immensely stressful.
However, they don’t have to be. Here are some holiday recovery tips in Denver, CO to help keep you on the straight and narrow.
It’s okay to say “no”
Whether it’s a family dinner or a company party, the odds are good that, at some point, someone will offer you a drink. Remember, you’re not being rude if you turn them down. You don’t have to discuss your recovery—you can simply say, “No thanks.”
Feel free to take off
If a given situation is causing you stress, you can always leave. You don’t even need to give a reason if you don’t want to—you can just wait for an opportune moment and slide out the front door. If you do feel obligated to give a reason, you don’t have to mention recovery if you’re uncomfortable doing so.
Think positively
One of the most essential parts of staying in recovery is keeping a positive mental outlook. Take steps to remember to be grateful for the positive aspects of your life and remember to be kind to yourself as you move forward.
Be careful about obligations
The holidays are filled with opportunities to make poor decisions. One of the best holiday recovery tips in Denver, CO to keep in mind is to plan ahead. Make sure that you’re not putting yourself in a situation where you’ll be swayed into drinking or using substances.
It may also be a good idea only to attend gatherings where you’ll know someone sympathetic who can provide support.
Rely on HALT
One of the most critical holiday recovery tips in Denver, CO is HALT. This acronym can help people take steps toward self-care. It stands for “hungry, angry, lonely and tired”:
- Hungry: Nothing will cause your mood to take a nosedive like being hungry. Throughout the holidays, make sure that you’re taking time to eat filling, balanced meals.
- Angry: When you begin to feel emotions of anger building up, try to take a step back and take some time for yourself.
- Lonely: There’s always someone who can help you, be it a friend, family member or mental health professional.
- Tired: The other condition that can cause your mental state to take a nosedive is fatigue. Be sure you’re getting enough sleep throughout the holidays to stay at your best.
HALT is designed to keep you calm, even in the face of stress.
Drug Recovery Denver, CO
At Continuum Recovery of Colorado, we’re ready to help you combat your substance abuse problems. Our ultimate goal is to help relieve issues of substance abuse as we work to reunite our patients with their loved ones. We use an innovative combination of individual, group and family counseling designed to build a foundation of long-term relief of substance abuse issues.
If you need assistance or additional recovery tips for the holidays in Denver, CO, we’re here to provide them. Contact Continuum Recovery of Colorado today.
