Sober Thanksgiving: Proven Ways To Avoid Relapse
Turkey, mashed potatoes, pie – and alcohol? To some people, the Thanksgiving holiday encompasses all of those things.
Alcohol might be part of some people’s celebrations because the day before Thanksgiving is often a busy night for bars and for beer sales. Some people have even referred to the day as “Blackout Wednesday” or “Bar Night.”
Why Do So Many People Drink on Thanksgiving Eve?
Why do so many people drink alcohol on Thanksgiving eve ? Many people return to their hometowns from college or jobs to visit their families and friends for the Thanksgiving holiday. In fact, Thanksgiving is always a top holiday for travel. It could be that people want to meet and catch up with their friends the night before spending Thanksgiving with their families.
Also, pretty much everyone is off of work and school the next day, which is a cause for celebration for many. They might feel as if they’re missing out if they don’t celebrate by going to bars and drinking. They don’t want to feel as if they’re missing out on fun, a phenomenon known as FOMO.
Lastly could people be drinking so much on Thanksgiving eve as a way to handle the pressure of the holiday and seeing family? The pressure of hosting the holiday event could cause a lot of people to want to drink on Thanksgiving eve after final preparations are done. Also a lot of people have anxiety returning home and seeing old friends and “dealing” with their family for the holiday weekend.
This anxiety and stress can drive people to abuse alcohol and drugs as ways to cope. But, they may just be making matters worse. Misusing substances can cause conditions such as anxiety or depression or make them worse.
Staying Sober on Thanksgiving Eve and Thanksgiving Day
If you are in recovery, the holiday can cause a lot of emotions and thoughts. If you are in a 12 step support group, it is always good to talk to your sponsor in the days leading up to the holiday. If you are traveling for the holiday it might be good to look ahead at support group meetings in the area you’re traveling to. This way if your sobriety is in jeopardy you can attend a meeting or call your sponsor. Just no, there is no amount of stress, frustration or sadness that is worth your sobriety. If you make it through Thanksgiving eve sober you can reward yourself with turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce and whatever delicious treats you have planned.
Being Thankful in Sobriety
Many times in active addiction there will be cases where family members do not want the drug user or alcoholic to come to Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is a time of love and family, and the fact that your family wants you to come is saying a lot. They are happy to have the old you back and want you to participate in family functions, embrace this! Many times in recovery we can forget about the stress, anger and sadness we put on out family members. Take this time to be thankful and give thanks for having such wonderful people in your life that care.
