A Season of Pressure — and a Season of Possibility
The holiday season is marketed as bright and cheerful on the surface, but statistics tell a different story.
During this time, alcohol-related harm spikes nationwide, stress levels increase, and social pressure builds. Data from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) shows that alcohol-related deaths increase by 34% during the holidays compared to other times of year.1
For many, the holidays are a time of celebration, but for those in recovery, the emotional weight of family expectations, travel stress, or loneliness can be triggering.
Recovery Doesn’t Have to Wait for the “Right” Time
At Cenikor, we’ve served individuals and families across Texas and New Mexico for nearly 60 years. We understand how challenging this time of year can feel—and how crucial it is to have real, practical strategies that help you stay aligned with your recovery goals.
That’s why we created this guide: 10 tips for staying sober during the holidays, plus guidance on preparing for a grounded, confident, and supportive sober Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
Whether you’re in early recovery, long-term recovery, or still considering treatment, we want you to know this: You don’t have to navigate the holidays alone. We are here 24/7.
The Truth Behind Substance Use and the Holidays
The holiday season is one of the most common times for substance use relapse. Stress is a major relapse trigger and peaks during the holiday months for many adults.2 At the same time, peer pressure increases drinking behavior by up to 29% in social settings.3
The good news? You are greater than the sum of your challenges—and you are a person with their own story—not a statistic.
Here’s some practical strategies for maintaining sobriety throughout the holiday season:
1. Identify Your Holiday Triggers Before the Season Starts
Awareness is one of the most protective tools in recovery.
Common seasonal triggers include:
- Old family dynamics
- Unstructured time or changes in routine
- Financial pressure
- Holiday travel
- Social gatherings centered around alcohol
- Loneliness or grief
Environmental cues are one of the strongest predictors of craving intensity, and replacing those cues with healthy alternatives decreases relapse risk.4
When you label your triggers early, you give yourself room to create a plan. This aligns with therapeutic tools used in Cenikor’s programs—including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI)—which help individuals anticipate challenges and build realistic coping strategies.
2. Create a Personalized Prevention Plan
Every person’s recovery is unique. That means every prevention plan should be personalized.
A simple holiday prevention plan may include:
- A list of people you can call or text
- Boundaries you will hold during gatherings
- Safe places you can step away to
- Events you will avoid
- Times you will check in with your support system
- A clear exit strategy if you feel overwhelmed
Structure brings stability. And during busy, unpredictable seasons, structure is one of the most supportive tools you can give yourself.
3. Lean on Your Support System—More Than Usual
If there’s one theme that runs through all 10 tips for staying sober during the holidays, it’s connection.
Connection reduces relapse risk. Even one supportive conversation can make a difficult moment manageable.
Your support network might include:
- A trusted family member
- A sponsor
- A sober friend
- A therapist
- A recovery group
- A Cenikor alumni or aftercare specialist
If you don’t have a robust support system yet, this season is a powerful time to build one—especially as you prepare for a sober New Year’s Eve and a fresh start.
If you’re looking for a recovery community near me, know that we’re here. Many of our own team have walked the path to recovery. We’re here to help you do the same.
4. Set Boundaries Without Apology
Boundaries protect your peace, your progress, and your emotional well-being.
Examples of healthy holiday boundaries:
- “I won’t be attending events where heavy drinking is the focus.”
- “I can stay for dinner, but I will need to leave by 8 PM.”
- “I’m not discussing past challenges today.”
- “I’m choosing not to drink, but thank you for understanding.”
Boundaries aren’t barriers; they’re tools that keep you safe.
5. Prioritize Your Mental and Physical Wellness
Stress is one of the most significant relapse risks during the holidays. Protect your wellness through small, intentional habits:
- Maintain sleep routines
- Eat consistent meals
- Move your body daily
- Practice mindfulness or deep breathing
- Keep a journal
- Limit overstimulation
- Take breaks before overwhelm hits
These simple practices keep your emotions regulated, your energy balanced, and your recovery supported.
6. Bring What You Need to Feel Comfortable at Social Events
Comfort builds confidence—and confidence protects recovery.
If you’re attending a gathering:
- Drive yourself so you can leave at any time
- Keep a check-in buddy on standby
- Have a time-limited plan
- Bring your own non-triggering beverages or snacks
- Know where you can take a break
This is one of the most effective steps within the 10 tips for staying sober during the holidays, because it keeps you grounded instead of reactive.
7. Focus on What the Holidays Mean to You
Many people in recovery find that the holidays begin to take on new meaning when substances are no longer the center of the experience. You can redefine the season based on connection, clarity, spirituality, service, or rest.
Ways to reclaim meaning:
- Volunteer
- Spend time with people who uplift you
- Start a new holiday tradition
- Reflect on how far you’ve come
- Set intentions for next year
- Build rituals that feel nurturing rather than draining
This is especially helpful as you prepare for a sober New Year’s Eve—a moment that symbolizes hope, healing, and renewal.
8. Have a Plan for Family Interactions
Family gatherings can be complicated. They may bring joy, stress, or both.
If you’re preparing for difficult interactions:
- Decide ahead of time what topics are off-limits
- Choose where you will sit or whom you will stay near
- Give yourself permission to leave early
- Stay connected to supportive individuals via text
- Practice short, prepared responses to uncomfortable questions
Remember: you are not obligated to stay in environments that jeopardize your well-being.
9. Practice “Holiday Mindfulness” in Real Time
Mindfulness—being grounded in the present moment—is used throughout Cenikor’s clinical programs, including DBT and trauma-informed care.
Holiday mindfulness can look like:
- Taking a slow breath before responding
- Noticing sounds, textures, and colors around you
- Pausing to recognize gratitude
- Checking in with your emotions throughout the day
- Walking away briefly when overstimulation rises
Mindfulness helps you make intentional choices rather than reactive ones.
10. Consider Treatment Before the New Year Starts
This is one of the most important of the 10 tips for staying sober during the holidays—and one many people overlook.
The truth is simple:
Addiction doesn’t take a holiday.
Help shouldn’t either.
If holidays have been overwhelming…
If stress is escalating…
If cravings are returning…
If your loved one is struggling…
If you feel like you’re white-knuckling only to “get through” the season…
You don’t have to wait for January 1.
Create Your Healthier Tomorrow With Cenikor Today
Cenikor provides:
- Medical Detox
- Residential Treatment
- Intensive Outpatient (IOP)
- Virtual IOP (VIOP)
- Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) (for opioid and alcohol use disorder)
- Recovery Housing
- Adolescent Residential treatment through Odyssey House in Houston (ages 13-17)
- Aftercare and Recovery Support Services
Admissions are available 24/7, including holidays.
You can start your healing before the year ends.
And truly—there is no better way to begin a sober New Year than by choosing stability, safety, support, and a proven path forward.
Preparing for a Sober New Year’s Eve
New Year’s Eve has intense cultural pressure around drinking. But it can also be one of the most empowering milestones in recovery.
Here’s how to approach a sober New Year’s Eve with confidence:
- Choose the environment—not the other way around: A quiet night in, a small gathering, a recovery-friendly event, or time in treatment are all strong choices.
- Set an intention for the year ahead: Many individuals in recovery use this night to reflect on progress and create meaningful goals.
- Connect with others who support your journey: A phone call, group meeting (either in-person or online), or text check-in can make the night feel celebratory rather than isolating.
- Reframe the meaning of the holiday: Instead of celebrating with alcohol, celebrate the fact that you’re building something new.
You are choosing clarity. You are choosing health. You are choosing a future you deserve.
For support along the way, know that we’re here.
When to Call for Help—Even During the Holidays
Reach out if you notice:
- Intense cravings
- Returning withdrawal symptoms
- Hopelessness or emotional overwhelm
- Isolation or shutting down
- Relationship stress
- Using more substances than intended
- Hiding use from others
- Struggling to stop
- Concern about a loved one’s safety
You do not need to wait.
Cenikor is here every day of the year—including Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s.
Cenikor Is Here for You Through Every Season
We believe recovery should be accessible, supportive, and grounded in dignity. For nearly six decades, Cenikor has helped individuals and families rebuild their lives with evidence-based treatment, compassion, and community.
Whether you’re seeking guidance for yourself or someone you care about, we’re here to support:
- Safe withdrawal stabilization
- Long-term residential treatment
- Outpatient and IOP options for ongoing care
- Youth programs for ages 13–17
- Access to MAT for opioid and alcohol use disorder
- Recovery housing in select locations
- Alumni and peer support to keep you connected
Your recovery doesn’t need a perfect moment.
Your recovery needs a starting point.
And that moment can be today.
Start Your New Year Strong
If you or someone you love is ready for help—now or anytime—Cenikor is here.
Call us 24/7 for admissions, guidance, or support. We’ll work with you and your insurance provider so you can focus on what really matters: recovery.
Your next chapter can begin before the year ends.
Written by Cenikor’s Clinical & Compliance Team