For men with a substance use disorder, especially if you’re new to recovery, this time of year can be extra challenging. It may even feel like the only way to survive is to hide away and wait it out. Yet isolating yourself is certainly not the answer. In fact, addiction experts agree that the holiday season is the perfect time to step up your efforts by attending more 12-step meetings and being among your recovery peers as much as possible. And you should indulge in a little sober fun, too. Try one of these festive and joyful holiday activities:
- Go caroling. You don’t have to be a trained singer to spread holiday cheer one song at time. It’s bound to become a sober memory you’ll cherish for years to come.
- Decorate cookies. A cookie decorating party is a great holiday tradition to share with your friends and family. And it doesn’t matter if you make the goodies from scratch or pull them from the freezer aisle; the fun is in the frosting!
- Lend a helping hand. Giving back is an important part of moving forward in your recovery. And it’s a great reminder to be grateful for your sober life. Volunteer at a soup kitchen, participate in a toy-drive or make holiday cards for patients at your local hospital — all time is well spent.
- Get active together. Gather some friends and go bowling or ice skating together at an indoor rink. Or, if weather permits, bundle up and play a game of flag football or take an invigorating group hike. It’s the perfect opportunity to exercise and have some clean fun!
- Plan a sober party. If you’re not ready to attend festivities where alcohol is served, why not plan your own sober party? Make it a potluck and ask everyone to bring a gift for a white elephant gift exchange.
- Host a holiday movie night. Pop some popcorn and cue up some classics — like “It’s a Wonderful Life” or “A Christmas Story.”
Relapse Prevention at 10 Acre Ranch
As part of a comprehensive approach to outpatient addiction recovery, clients at 10 Acre Ranch learn important relapse prevention strategies, including anger management, handling social pressures, handling high-risk situations and long-term sobriety planning. Whether you are seeking help for you or a loved one, our all-inclusive residential facility offers one of the industry’s highest recovery success rates. To learn more, call us today: 877-228-4679.
