Do you have a hard time during the holiday season? This is the time of year when family and friends spend time together, and cities are bustling with life, shopping, and all the seasonal merriment. 

The holidays also offer up a lot of tricky situations when we are at our most vulnerable. There may be triggers that come along with the end-of-the-year celebrations. The temptation to drink or use is heightened. With that in mind, here are four methods to help you start the new year sober or clean.

Celebrate Your Accomplishments

Starting the new year sober or clean is a celebration of its own. And if you haven't made it that far, don't be hard on yourself! Celebrate the accomplishments. However long you made it, remind yourself that you can do that again, and then some! 

Show yourself some love, and don't downplay your excellent work; recovery is a gift!

Besides making it to recovery, reflect on the relationships you're grateful for, friends or loved ones. Tell them you're thankful for them, and make time to see them.

Try New Things & Try to Avoid Old Habits

Is attending celebrations and gatherings a challenge? You can do various things to reduce the draw of temptation while having a great time. 

You can celebrate with a close group of friends with a nice dinner. Or, consider taking a trip! Going on a short trip or visiting a new city might be a great way to do something different and avoid old habits. 

Certain activities may be more appropriate depending on where you are on your journey. There is nothing wrong with ringing in the new year at home, either. You know yourself better than anyone - honestly ask yourself what you need and make it happen.

Start Your New Year's Resolutions Early

Recognize where you are in your recovery process and how you feel. Honesty is a crucial part of our journey.

If you have changed your daily routine to improve your quality of life, the new year is the perfect time to continue moving forward. Celebrate the small changes that have gotten you to the place you are. If you're looking for new resolutions, consider making your new year more mindful (LINK). This has tons of benefits we've discussed in another blog, and will help you to identify all the positive progress you're making.

Find Your People

Your support system is key to achieving success in recovery. If you feel the pressure of the holidays to hang out with that same friend group... Remind yourself that you don't have to do anything you don't want to do. Good friends will understand. And if being around old friends could trigger you, especially in situations that present themselves over the holidays (parties, drinking, or drugs) - avoid them at all costs. Risking relapse isn't worth it. 

Studies have shown that exposing yourself to situations involving substances significantly increases the chance of a relapse. Instead of risking this, why not find other people and activities to enjoy without alcohol or drugs?

You can push the limits of your comfort zone and switch it up. 

The holidays are a great time to meet new people in the same situation as you. You could check out Meetups in your area, discover new Facebook groups, or even organize an event yourself. 

If you still find it hard to stay on the right track, it's okay to ask for professional help. You deserve to be happy and healthy. We promise.  Reach out to The Walker Center. We've helped thousands of people recover from alcohol and drug addictions - you could be next.