How to Avoid Relapse During the Holidays

The holidays can be a joyful time of year, filled with celebration and connection. However, they can also trigger heightened stress, emotional strain, and relapse risks for those in recovery. Whether it’s your first sober holiday season or you’re already experienced in managing these challenges, having a proactive plan in place is essential.

Make a Plan and Prepare

Just like any other time of year, maintaining sobriety during the holidays means taking it one day at a time. Start each morning with intention—plan how you’ll stay sober and identify strategies to manage triggers that may arise throughout the day.

Have an Exit Strategy

If you’re attending a party or social event, it’s helpful to have a discreet exit plan in place. Whether that means preparing a reason to leave early or arranging for a friend to call and check in, knowing you can leave when needed helps reduce anxiety. Avoid being the designated driver, which may require you to stay longer than you’re comfortable. Always make your sobriety the priority.

Bring Safe Food and Drinks

Holiday events often involve alcohol and indulgent foods. Bringing your own non-alcoholic beverages—like sparkling cider or juice—can help you feel included while staying safe. Bringing healthy snacks or a favorite dish can also reduce anxiety and support your wellness goals. Poor nutrition during the holidays can negatively affect your mood, making recovery more difficult.

Prepare for Conversations

During holiday gatherings, you may encounter friends or relatives you haven’t seen in a while—especially if you were away in treatment. Be ready for questions about your year, your health, or whether you’d like a drink. Whether or not to share your sobriety status is entirely your decision. Preparing thoughtful responses in advance can help reduce social anxiety and empower you to take control of conversations.

Focus on Reducing Holiday Stress

Your recovery comes first, and prioritizing self-care is key to maintaining sobriety. Simple habits—like getting enough sleep, eating nutritious meals, and exercising—can make a big difference in how you handle holiday stress.

You don’t need to attend every event. If a certain gathering feels overwhelming or risky, it’s okay to skip it this year. Protecting your mental and emotional well-being is more important than any party.

Lean on Your Sober Support System

Being the only sober person at a holiday party can feel isolating. To stay grounded, lean on your sober support network—whether that’s a sponsor, sober friends, or a support group.

Consider bringing a sober companion to events, or prioritizing gatherings hosted by your recovery community. Be open with trusted people about your challenges. Their encouragement and advice—especially from those who’ve been through similar experiences—can be invaluable.

About Cliffside Malibu

We understand that the holidays can be challenging for those in recovery. While seeing family and celebrating with friends is important, protecting your sobriety is the top priority. At Cliffside Malibu, we offer comprehensive support before, during, and after treatment to help you navigate life’s most difficult moments.

Each client is matched with one of five stages of the Transtheoretical Model:

  • Precontemplation
  • Contemplation
  • Preparation
  • Action
  • Maintenance

Using this model, we create personalized treatment plans to meet you where you are in your recovery journey and support your long-term sobriety.

Cliffside Malibu offers a full continuum of care, including:

  • Medically supervised detox
  • Residential treatment
  • Day treatment
  • Outpatient services

Our services are designed for individuals facing substance use or alcohol addiction, delivered in a structured and supportive environment.

For more information, visit cliffsidemalibu.com.