Relapse over a holiday is no joke. I get it and it happens many times because of not being able to handle the stress of a dysfunctional family. Unfortunately most families have a dysfunctional component of some sort…am I right? ( I know you are shaking your head….yep… 😉 don’t worry I got you)
I facilitate a few groups each week with people that are court ordered into recovery which is another type of hurdle and I created this relapse prevention list initially for them but I wanted to also share it here. It is very important to plan for a holiday event in advance to avoid a relapse.
8 Ways to Avoid a Holiday Relapse
- Remember no matter what is said (the good, the bad & the ugly) don’t take it to heart – most families are dysfunctional on some level. Ignore the comments!
- Be the 7-11/gas station runner! Tell grandma as soon as you get there if she needs anything (butter, ice, more marshmallows for her famous sweet potato casserole ) that you got her back and are her go to person to run to the store that way you have an escape route for a bit to get a breather away from Uncle Joe the family drunk who is always inappropriate.
- If someone offers you booze, weed or an extra Xanax, refuse it. An easy way is to just say “I don’t drink.” or “I don’t smoke.” or “I’m good.” There’s nothing worse than getting arrested over a holiday because remember the Judge is home eating turkey like the rest of us and will not be in the court house for a few days.
- If the stress gets too much, make an excuse after dinner and leave. You can always use the “I have a headache, I don’t feel well or I have to work tomorrow early.” It’s ok to leave a family function if it gets to be too much drama.
- Can’t drive? No problem, download the UBER or Lyft app & set it up in your phone the night before. Plan ahead that way if it gets to be too much you’re ahead of the game to get a ride home fairly quickly.
- Enjoy your meal! Don’t let the family drama ruin your holiday. Are the annoying relatives going to change? Probably not today so focus your thoughts on the good of the day. Who doesn’t like something on the Thanksgiving table? Pumpkin pie with cool whip 😊 Yumminess!
- If you are hosting the event at your place & need to escape, take the dog for a walk or make an excuse of “the dreaded migraine” go into your room, shut the door, lay down and take some long deep breaths for a few minutes.
- Finally remember a great quote by Dr. Sarah McKay “stress is caused not by what happens to you, but by your response to what happens. The great news is, you can change the way you respond.”
So that is my list of tips to help you survive that holiday get together because let’s be honest sometimes it sucks to be around family but obligation or a sweet little grandma makes us attend. Hang in there!
Also below share your recovery tips that help you avoid a relapse during a family event. I would love to hear them. Finally have a Happy Thanksgiving and enjoy that yummy dinner 🙂
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