Managing Loneliness This Holiday Season

The holiday season can be lonely – especially if you’ve broken ties with any family members or friends and you’re still working on rebuilding your sober social network. Yet, for many people in recovery, loneliness can make you feel alone, misunderstood and not cared for – even if you’re surrounded by loved ones who support you.

Luckily, you can take steps to prevent loneliness from taking a toll on your health, overall recovery and holiday season. These tips can help:

• Attend support groups and/or therapy session. The holidays season is certainly not the time to take a break from your addiction treatment. Talking to others who get what you’re going through and who may also be experiencing loneliness can help you feel supported. And you may even meet a new friend with whom you can enjoy a sober holiday celebration. 
• Vow to volunteer. 'Tis the season for gratitude and there’s no better way to reap the benefits than to give back to others. Taking time to help someone else will not only help you appreciate all that you have in life, but it will help get you into the community and meet like-minded positive people.
• Carve out time for friends and family. Everyone gets super busy around the holidays, so be sure to schedule in some much-needed time with your loved ones. Whether it’s a weekly call or weekly meeting, surrounding yourself with loved ones is super important during this time when your natural instinct may be to retreat into isolation.  
• Keep up with self-care. The holidays can be an emotional time and practicing self-care, including healthy eating, exercise, proper sleep and relaxation strategies, can help keep you on a more even keel and give you the mental strength to stave off loneliness. 

Aftercare for Lifetime Sobriety
Aftercare plans are invaluable additions to your recovery toolbox. At The Haven at Pismo, our team of addiction specialists will help you to develop relapse strategies to help you maintain sobriety once returning home. Call today: 805-202-3440.