Guide · Staying sober
Holidays in early recovery: a survival plan
Plan the holidays before they arrive: know where you’ll be, who you’ll be with, how you’ll leave and who you’ll call. Keep your meetings and church on the calendar, bring your own drinks, and have three phone numbers ready before any gathering.
Why the holidays are hard
Old family tension, old places, alcohol at every table, time off work and long, quiet nights all land at once. None of that means you’ll slip. It means you plan.
Watch for HALT
You’re most vulnerable when you’re Hungry, Angry, Lonely or Tired, and the holidays deliver all four. Eat real meals, talk to someone, move your body and get to bed.
The plan
- Decide where you’ll be, and how you’ll leave. Drive yourself or have a ride you control. Set a time you’ll head out.
- Write down three phone calls. Your sponsor, your house manager and a brother. Call before you act, not after.
- Keep the rhythm. Church, Disciple Me and your meetings don’t take holidays. Some recovery groups add extra holiday meetings.
- Bring your own drink and have your answer ready: “No thanks, I’m good.” You don’t owe anyone a story.
- Serve somewhere. Help at church, a shelter or a meeting. Recovery received becomes recovery given.
- Tell the truth fast. If you’re struggling, or if you slip, tell someone right away. In an overdose, call 911 first, always.
If you live at Overcomers
Overnight passes still need approval from your house manager, who answers within 24 hours. Passes are earned, and you can expect a test when you get back. Plan early so your family knows what to expect.
For families hosting someone in recovery
- Offer good non-alcoholic drinks and don’t make a show of it
- Don’t push “just one”
- Give him an easy way to leave early
- Keep the focus on him, not on his past