Navigating Substance Use Recovery During the Holidays by Alice Novinte

For many in recovery from drugs and alcohol, holidays can be a trigger for relapse. In our society, most holidays include some aspect of drinking or partying that can be triggering to those in recovery. In addition, holidays include increased travel, spending, and emotional energy that can trigger relapse. Furthermore, those who are not in recovery often forget to consider individuals in recovery when making plans for the holidays, which can lead those in recovery to isolate themselves by opting out of holiday events or put themselves in uncomfortable, risky, and stressful situations by attending. For these reasons, holidays can be an especially hard time for people who are in recovery. 

One holiday that is well known for centering drinking and drug use is Halloween, which is approaching in the next few weeks. Halloween is a holiday that most people consider to be for children to dress up and receive candy from neighbors, but it also has high popularity with adults who use it as an opportunity to dress up and party with friends. Those in recovery may want to engage in holiday festivities, such as Halloween, but may not feel confident in their ability to withstand relapse. Thus, they may find themselves isolating on holidays instead, which can be detrimental to their mental health and overall recovery. To help support individuals in recovery, below is a list of things that people in recovery can do to prepare for the holiday season, things that friends and family can do to support their loved ones through recovery, and a list of substance-free Halloween activities. 

How to Navigate Recovery During the Holidays

1. Continue with your treatment activities: Try to keep on schedule rather than returning to old habits that you are used to doing around the holidays. 
2. Seek out your support system: Invite a friend from your support group or someone else in your life to attend parties and events with you. This support can help you feel anchored and keep you accountable for your recovery goals. 
3. Host or look for substance-free events: People don’t always think to host events that are substance-free during the holidays. Hosting your own event can be a good way to have fun without putting yourself in uncomfortable or stressful situations. You can also look for events in your community that are substance-free like family-friendly activities. 
4. Come up with a list of coping strategies: Even if you keep to your treatment schedule, avoid events with substances, and seek support, you may still find yourself triggered. Having a list of coping strategies to refer to can help you feel more confident as we move into the holiday season. 
5. Set Boundaries: Family and friends are not always the most supportive. Set boundaries with the people in your life who question your recovery or encourage you to engage in activities that may put you at risk for relapse. Remember that setting healthy boundaries helps you preserve your relationships and protect yourself. 

How to Support Those in Recover During Halloween and Other Holidays:

1. Reach out to ask if there’s anything you can do to support them: Rather than offering what you think is best (“maybe you should skip the annual family costume party”), allow them to set their own boundaries and express their own needs. 
2.  Host substance-free events: For example, you could host a scary movie night with popcorn and apple cider for Halloween. You can still host a party with alcohol and other substances, but it can be helpful to offer at least one other option to show those in recovery that you have not forgotten them. 
3. Encourage them and be supportive of their goals: If someone in recovery states they cannot attend a holiday event, be supportive of this rather than complaining that they are a “party pooper.” 
4. Refrain from judgment: Understand that people in recovery may relapse or may engage in behaviors that are harmful to them. Rather than judging, ask how you can support them or help them get back on track with their recovery. Show love and acceptance for who they are and acknowledge their growth instead of making them feel bad about lapses. 
5. Educate yourself on substance use disorder: The stigmatization of substance use disorder can leave those struggling with it feeling stigmatized, isolated, and judged. It is important that you understand that addiction is a disease rather than a moral failing. You should also know that relapse is a process rather than one event. Seeing relapse as a process can help you spot the signs of an impending relapse before it occurs. By noticing the signs, you can help support your loved one through a relapse or even prevent it.

Substance -Free Halloween Activities 

1. Pumpkin painting/carving party: Each person brings a miniature pumpkin and paints or carves it. The winner gets an award (gift card, small gift, etc.) 
2. Visit a pumpkin patch: Pumpkin patches typically have hayrides, farm animals, mazes, and, of course, pumpkins! Because pumpkin patches are typically family-friendly, most do not sell alcohol or drugs. Visiting a pumpkin patch can be a good way to spend time outside and have fun with your loved ones without the risk of being around substances. 
3.  Visit a haunted house/maze/farm: Haunted attractions are a fun spooky activity. Some may sell alcohol, but the food/beverage area is typically kept separate from the main attraction, so potential exposure to substances may be easier to avoid here than at a bar or club. 
4. Have a substance-free costume party: You can have your friends dress up and can even make it a competition. You can serve apple cider (sparkling is a good option), club soda, and juice as a substitute for alcohol. You can play games, sing Halloween-themed karaoke, or watch a fun movie like Hocus Pocus. 
5. Host or attend a scary movie night: You can invite your friends over, pop some popcorn, and provide non-alcoholic beverages while you watch a fun scary movie like Scream, It, Halloween, or Jennifer’s Body. Some cities also host outdoor movies at parks or amphitheaters around Halloween.