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10 Tips for a Sober and Joyous Holiday Season
Skills to Help Those Recovering From Addiction
(CONCORD, CA) -- The holidays are particularly difficult for those recovering from alcohol and substance abuse addictions. The prospect of remaining sober while socializing with friends and family may be difficult and cause people to feel alienated. According to Fred Von Stieff, M.D., ASAM, medical director of the Center for Recovery (CFR), "Our society tends to ritualize special occasions with 'things we have always done in the past.' To repeat these behaviors can be challenging for those recently recovering from addiction. People should know that it is OK to deviate from 'what we have always done,' and create new rituals."
"It is important, however, for those in recovery not to become isolated: to stay connected with other people and engage in social activities, especially at this time of year," says Rick Baez, program director for CFR. The following are some suggestions to help people enjoy the holidays and remain committed to their recovery:
- Stay away from known painful associations or situations.
- Refrain from doing anything that makes you feel uncomfortable.
- Host a gathering of your friends in recovery or take someone to dinner.
- If you must go to a party where there will be drinking, keep some candy handy.
- Don't stay late at social occasions. Plan in advance to have an "important date" that allows you to leave comfortably.
- Don't sit around brooding. Catch up on those books, museums, walks and letters.
- Don't get all worked up about holiday temptations. Remember - "One Day at a Time."
- Enjoy the beauty of the holiday.
- Keep a list of the telephone numbers handy of all those in your support group.
- Go to a house of worship or attend an activity that gives you spiritual and emotional support.
The Center for Recovery (CFR) is a state-licensed facility providing detoxification and treatment for alcohol and all types of chemical dependency. This includes street drugs such as methamphetamine, high-dose heroine, cocaine, crack, designer and club drugs such ecstasy, and prescription drugs such as Vicodin, Oxycontin, Methadone, and Valium. The specialized medical and nursing staff provides safe medical management for patients with serious addictions and associated medical problems. The Center for Recovery is located in the John Muir/Mt. Diablo Health System's Medical Pavilion in Concord. Opened in 1993, the Pavilion is a fully accredited, 73-bed hospital offering a wide spectrum of mental health needs, including complete inpatient and outpatient psychiatric and chemical dependency programs and services for children, adolescents, adults and seniors.
(Posted December 9, 2003)