The holiday season is almost here. For many recovering people, this can be a challenging time of year. Even though it may be difficult, you can still enjoy time with loved ones and partake in plenty of holiday delicacies.

The first thing to remember is that you absolutely can make it through the holiday season and stay sober. As you continue to make it through the upcoming months and years, each holiday gets easier to tackle. You are creating new habits, and the more you practice, the easier they become.

Holidays can be difficult for several reasons. Many people have lost loved ones and the holidays often bring memories of the departed. For some recovering people, this can cause guilt and pain. The holiday season is also about celebration. With celebration comes alcohol. The first step to take for facing the holiday season is preparation. You have to prepare, do not try to face the season alone, especially if this is your first sober holiday.

Have your support system on speed dial. Let your sponsor, mentor, and sober friends know that this is a challenging time of year for you. Invite your support system to spend time with you, and if they invite you to spend time with them, do it. Isolation should be avoided during this time of year.

Be honest with your friends and loved ones. You do not have to suffer in silence. In fact, you do not have to suffer at all. Let them know that this is a tough time of year and you may need to call them. Your support system will be thankful that you reached out to them.

If you have a craving to drink or use don’t beat yourself up. Instead, be honest with yourself. Recognize that this is a more challenging time of year for you. Understand that all recovering people have been exactly where you are, and you can make it through this.

Increase your meetings, groups, or counseling sessions. Remember, isolation is to be avoided during difficult times. Even though you may be spending time with family and friends, your first priority is your recovery. Go to extra meetings, groups, or counseling sessions so that you can vent and be around like minded people.

With time, the holiday season becomes easier to face. In your first year or two of sobriety, apprehension is normal, but you do not have to face this season in fear. Make a plan,  increase your meeting or group attendance, be honest with self and others about how you are feeling, and be sure not to isolate.

The Kimberly Center offers the best in partial care programming for the treatment of addictions and co-occurring disorders. Providing a variety of treatment services with love and compassion, our clinical team serves to help clients heal mind, body, and spirit. Call us today for information: 855-4-KCENTER