Valentine’s Day can be a trying time for those in recovery from addiction. With all the reminders of love and romance, it can be difficult to stay focused on sobriety. But here at Evoke Coconut Creek, we believe you don’t have to give up the joy of this special day to maintain your sobriety. Here are some tips for celebrating a sober Valentine’s Day without giving in to temptation. And please, if you are looking for addiction treatment in the Coconut Creek, Florida area, call Evoke Coconut Creek today at 866.693.3871. Our team of caring professionals is here to help.
Why Holidays Can Be Challenging
Valentine’s Day is often a time of stress and anxiety, even for those without addiction issues. The pressure to be romantic and show your love can be daunting, especially if finances are tight or relationships are strained. For those in recovery, these pressures can be greater and even more challenging to manage.
Signs you are stressed about the upcoming holiday include:
- Withdrawal from social activities
- Feelings of anxiety, depression, or guilt
- Increased isolation
- Difficulty sleeping
- Unhealthy coping behaviors, like overeating or excessive spending
Getting triggered or stressed by a holiday can result in relapse. While relapsing is sometimes a normal part of recovery, it is important to be aware of the signs and take steps to manage them in a healthy way. That is why planning ahead is key.
Plan a Sober Valentine’s Day
A sober Valentine’s Day is all about planning ahead. By finding sober activities to do, you can spend the day without having to worry about alcohol or drugs being present.
Be Prepared
Before February 14th arrives, sit down and make a plan for the day. Decide how you will spend your time, who you will be spending it with, and where you’ll go if things get too overwhelming. Having a plan in place ahead of time helps ensure that you won’t find yourself in an uncomfortable situation when temptation rears its ugly head.
Surround Yourself with Supportive People
The people in your life should help keep you accountable when it comes to staying sober on Valentine’s Day (and every other day). Reach out to those who understand what you’re going through and who will support your decision to remain sober even when it seems like everyone else is drinking or doing drugs.
Find Healthy Ways to Cope
It is important to find healthy ways to cope with the stress of Valentine’s Day. This can include taking a walk, doing yoga, journaling, or even just going out for coffee with friends. These activities can help distract you from cravings and provide an outlet for managing any tough emotions that may arise.
Focus on Self-Care
Treat yourself to a spa day, go shopping with friends, or just take some time to relax and watch a movie. Taking care of yourself is an important part of recovery and shouldn’t be forgotten during the holidays. Make sure you are doing something special for yourself this Valentine’s Day.
Don’t Give Up
It is important to remember that Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be a struggle in recovery. With careful planning and a strong support system, you can celebrate the day without compromising your sobriety. And if all else fails, take one day at a time and don’t give up. You will make it through this holiday with your sobriety intact.
Evoke Coconut Creek Is Here to Help
We understand that holidays can be challenging for people in recovery—especially when they center around romance and celebration. Contact us at 866.693.3871 if you are worried about your sobriety. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, please reach out today. We would love to help.
