Thanksgiving is a time for togetherness, family reunions, and celebrations. However, having a sober thanksgiving can be challenging if you are recovering from addiction. Almost everything is a trigger to you. Being around people who are overindulging can lure you into temptation. Financial strains, fatigue, and family conflicts that happen during thanksgiving are another trigger.
If you are new to recovery and you have a history of relapse, consider getting additional help. The good news is that an addiction treatment center in Maumee, OH, like Midwest Detox Center, can offer you all the tools and skills you need to maintain sobriety during and after recovery.
How to Have a Sober Thanksgiving in Maumee, OH
The presence of triggers may be inevitable during this holiday. However, there are ways that can help you spend a sober thanksgiving in Maumee, OH.
Spend Thanksgiving with Supportive People
If the people around you are drinking, it won’t be easy to stay sober. Some may convince you that one drink will not hurt, but this will only drag you to relapse. Look for people who understand and support your sobriety goals. Not everyone will understand your situation. As such, you must learn to say no to people who may try to force you into drinking. You should also consider what invitations to accept. If you feel that you are not comfortable with the other guests, gracefully decline that invitation.
Share Your Recovery Story
Another way to safeguard yourself is to make everyone you’re celebrating with an awareness of your current situation. You do not have to tell every detail of your recovery story. You can share as much or as little as you wish. Tell them how you want to spend your holiday. By doing so, everybody will be ready to support you. However, be prepared to answer questions.
Bring Alcohol-Free Beverages with You
Most people view alcohol as a part of every celebration. While some family members may refrain from drinking to support your recovery efforts, others may want to stick to their tradition. Sometimes recovering addicts begin to drink because they do not have anything else to drink. Bring a non-alcoholic drink with you to every event to avoid this temptation. Get yourself some sparkling cider, flavored water, or herbal tea. You can also spice up your sober thanksgiving in Maumee, OH, by trying some of the non-alcoholic cocktail ideas available online.
Keep Your Stress Level in Check
Thanksgiving is the start of several activities, such as shopping, cleaning, and preparing events. These activities demand both your physical and mental input.
Remember to stay on track by following the wellness-focused habits you learned during your addiction treatment program in Ohio. Keep away from any drama that is sometimes unavoidable. Avoid engaging in arguments, no matter how shallow they may sound. Such discussions may end up uncovering old wounds. Keeping your stress level in check is a self-preservation strategy that will keep you sane and avoid temptations.
Have a Grateful Heart
If this is your first thanksgiving after drug detox in Ohio, be grateful for your newfound sober life. Helping others will motivate you to feel grateful and stay sober.
Try and make the most of this holiday. You can foster your feelings of gratitude by volunteering to help the less fortunate in your community. Visit a local homeless shelter and volunteer to do some chores or collect donations for a canned food drive. There are endless activities you can do.
Learn More About Sober Thanksgiving at Midwest Detox Center
At Midwest Detox Center, we are ready to help you maintain sobriety. There is no shame in reconnecting with our addiction professionals in Ohio to provide you with services such as:
- Individual therapy programs
- Family therapy programs
- Cognitive-behavior therapy
- Aftercare treatment services
Let us help you prevent relapse and enjoy a sober thanksgiving. Contact Midwest Detox Center at 833.647.0392 today!
