Every person is a unique individual, and every person in recovery is different from the next. One person’s minor annoyance could be another person’s serious relapse trigger. It’s important to think about the things that support your recovery and the things that make it more challenging, so that you can develop plans for your long-term sobriety and adjust for each season as it arrives. At Safe Harbor Recovery Center, our team of compassionate treatment professionals supports our clients in identifying these important factors in their own recovery journey.
Your Recovery Throughout the Year
Every season has its ups and downs for recovery. The list below is some examples of how seasons can impact recovery.
Winter
- There is an increased risk for people with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) to develop depressive symptoms and stall recovery progress.
- Family expectations to participate in holiday traditions could lead to interactions with unsupportive or toxic family members and events where alcohol is being served. Consider having an escape plan or bringing a sober friend to events that could be difficult.
- Family gatherings may lead to exposure to the ghosts of traumas past – people or places connected to trauma someone endured previously.
- People may find their schedules overloaded, as they have all of their usual obligations, on top of holiday events, shopping, decorating, etc. It can be tempting to ditch recovery meetings, therapy, and self-care that make recovery sustainable.
- Cold weather can lead to isolation, as people stay indoors to avoid the unpleasant weather. Stay connected to the important people in your life with phone calls, coffee dates, virtual recovery meetings, or whatever else works for you.
- People who skip holiday events that aren’t good for their recovery may feel isolated if they don’t have a plan for other ways to spend their time. Consider hosting your own Christmas and New Year’s events or attending something in the recovery community, rather than sitting home alone.
Spring and Fall
- In the more temperate months of the year, it may be easier to get outside for fresh air and exercise.
- You may find it easier during these months to make plans with friends and family.
- There may be temptation to drink at sporting events that are picking up during these seasons. It’s important to have a plan before you show up to the big game or your friend’s tailgating party for how you will resist temptation. You might also want to skip these events entirely and do something else with your time.
- Thanksgiving is the start of a long stretch of holiday festivities for many people. If a month or more of social gatherings, family dynamics, and overindulgence seems like too much, remember that “No.” is a complete sentence. You don’t have to attend every invite you’re invited to join.
Summer
- Just as the cold weather of winter can drive people indoors and away from others, the heat of summer can do the same. When you feel most inclined to isolate, you must resist the urge by connecting with the people who support your recovery.
- It may be necessary to adjust your exercise routine to include indoor activities or to exercise during a cooler time of the day.
- Summer can also be a time that lacks structure and routine, which may sound fun, but can actually undermine recovery. It is important to find sober activities to maintain recovery momentum. This may include events within or beyond the recovery community.
- If you’re on vacation, at a wedding, or at another event where alcohol is flowing, you might feel tempted to have “just one” drink. Have a plan for managing temptation.
Recovery Tools You Can Use Year-Round
When you start to feel like your recovery might be at risk, some of the tools you can turn to include:
- Recovery meetings
- Your sponsor
- Your therapist
- Your trusted family and friends
- Your spiritual leader
- Healthy coping skills like art, journaling, music, and meditation
- Returning to treatment “for a booster”
- Using the SMART Recovery Toolbox to problem-solve, make good decisions, and set goals
At Safe Harbor Recovery Center in Portsmouth, Virginia, we believe that there is always hope for a better tomorrow. Our team helps patients develop the strength to navigate the highs and lows of every season of their recovery. Winter, spring, summer, or fall, we are here to help.