From Christmas cocktails with colleagues to a New Year’s toast with friends, the holidays are full of occasions to celebrate—often with a drink in hand. If you’ve gone through substance abuse counseling, staying sober this time of year can be difficult. With a proactive approach and some mental preparation, you can safeguard your sobriety. Let these tips guide you through the season.

3 Ways to Stay Sober Over the Holidays

1. Prepare to Manage Stress

The holidays are full of fun, but they can also be stressful, often due to strained relationships or an overloaded social schedule. Prepare for emotionally taxing moments by writing down a list of how you can cope. Whether it’s a walk outside, a long bath, or listening to soothing music while sipping hot chocolate, find a form of self-care that allows you to slow down and decompress.

2. Be Mindful of Triggers

Maybe your cousins are fun-loving drinkers who are sure to offer you a shot, or perhaps your old friends from high school are planning to meet at a bar that brings back memories of drug-fueled parties. If you foresee triggers at a social event, consider staying home. If you do go out, it can be useful to have a non-alcoholic drink in hand to avoid constantly turning down guests who offer to grab you a beverage.

3. Seek Support When Necessary 

If you have a trusted friend or family member you can talk to about your substance abuse issues, communicate with them. Share your emotions and let them know when you’re having trouble. They can also serve as a “sober buddy” at parties where alcohol is present. If you need more support, look to a substance abuse counseling group. Attending a meeting alongside others who empathize with your situation can empower you to stay clean.

NorthKey Community Care provides substance abuse counseling services in the Northern Kentucky region for people who want to live soberly. Since 1966, their mental health services have been integral to building a healthy and happy community. They assist people of all ages and from all walks of life, offering both individual and family counseling. Covington is just one of their locations in Northern Kentucky—get a full overview of where they operate online. If you want to know more about their substance abuse counseling services or other mental health services, please call (859) 331-3292.