Clinician Offers Advice on Sustaining Sobriety Through Holiday Season

HOLYOKE — Sara Harpin, a clinician in MiraVista Behavioral Health Center’s Opioid Treatment Program, counsels her clients that staying on the path of recovery during the holiday season, especially for those early in recovery, can be particularly challenging.

This is because the days between Thanksgiving and the New Year usher in activities that can be triggers for those in recovery with substance use. These range from parties with an abundance of alcohol, as well as access to other drugs, to family gatherings where old conflicts may surface.

Harpin says they don’t have to serve as triggers. She advises those in recovery to think ahead and have an exit plan for events.

This may mean taking a friend along with an agreement to leave after a certain period of time, and also reflecting on who else may be present and who is likely to compromise one’s recovery. In both scenarios, it is advised to think out in advance what to say when choosing to leave and how to refuse offers of alcohol or other drugs.

Harpin notes that it is OK to say no as preventing relapse is the priority in recovery. One option is declining an invitation by expressing gratitude to be included but noting a prior obligation.

Harpin says unrealistic expectations contribute to relapse in the form of disappointment when people assume this holiday will be better than last year’s. Clinicians remind those in recovery that recovery is all about staying connected to one’s supports outside family and friends during the holidays and beyond to prevent relapse.

Tips for managing recovery and preventing relapse during times of holiday stress and indulgence include:

• Make new memories that involve supportive connections and sobriety.

• Don’t isolate as holidays can be lonely and trigger thoughts of loved ones no longer here. Consider extra therapy sessions and more time with friends in recovery to avoid relapse.

• Limit contact where encounters are likely to be toxic.

• Be realistic and grateful for the chance to positively connect to the joy of the holidays without overspending, overstressing, and overindulging.

• Find the holiday spirit by looking beyond the traditions of the season and rediscover the real purpose and joy of the holidays.

• Enjoy sobriety-friendly celebrations by trying non-alcoholic options.