What To Do With Pushy Relatives During The Holidays

If you have recently left an addiction recovery program, you know that there will be many challenges that lay ahead when it comes to remaining sober. Your substance abuse counselor has given you many tips and tricks to help you overcome these challenges. You know that you will also be able to find extra support in group meetings throughout the holiday period.

However, it can be not easy, especially during your first holiday season sober, to deal with friends and relatives during this celebratory time. Many people that are new to recovery must be prepared for the three types of people you may encounter during the holidays that can make staying sober difficult.

What Types of Relatives Will You Encounter During the Holidays

While you surely have many different types of personalities among your friends and family, there are three types of people that you may encounter during the holidays.

1. The Over Zealous Helper

It is inevitable that everyone in your code family and circle of friends will know that you have recently completed drug rehab. That is just how friend and family circles work. What you have to prepare for is the overzealous friends or relatives who are going to keep calling out your sobriety because they feel that this is giving you support.

For example, you will sit down at the table for dinner, and they will say, “Don’t forget to skip John with the wine; he’s recently out of rehab.” They really mean well, but the constant “help” they are trying to provide can be nerve-grinding.

2. The Snarky Commenter

There is always one person in the crowd that has to make snarky comments about you going to rehab. Little bits of sarcasm that will make not only you feel uncomfortable but also everyone else in the room. Every family has one person that fits this profile.

The bitter pill personality, for some reason, finds it distasteful that you have overcome addiction and built a better future for yourself. There will never be anything that you can do or say to change this; these individuals are just naturally mean.

3. The Coaxer

There is always that one relative or friend that will try to coax you to drink or do some drugs at the party. They know that you have recently left rehab, but they don’t care. They will say things like, “It’s only tonight. You can go sober again tomorrow.” Or they tell you that now that you are sober, it shouldn’t hurt to do drugs or alcohol once in a while because you are not an addict anymore.

No one is sure why there is always this person in a crowd, but you need to be prepared. Perhaps they just feel threatened by your success. Maybe they do not know better. Your best choice is to stay far away.

To Each Their Own

Each of these people that you may encounter during the holidays does not realize what an impact they are having on you personally. They have their own agendas, whether it be to help or harm, and they follow that regardless of the effects.

Surround yourself with family members and friends that support your sobriety and avoid these three types of people if possible. If the pressure is too much, you may even want to skip a few of the celebrations to give yourself some relief. The holidays are supposed to be about happiness, and this includes your personal happiness as well. There is nothing wrong with protecting your happiness and success.

Remember what foods to eat while in recovery

Get The Extra Support – Everyone Needs It During The Holidays

If there is anything that you should remember most during the holidays is that it can be stressful, especially if you are new to sobriety. Holidays are emotional, filled with celebrations, and can often leave you feeling overwhelmed.

You are not alone.

Everyone feels this way, and everyone in recovery needs extra support during this time of year. Do not feel embarrassed or scared to seek additional help during this time. In fact, you should actively seek thee extra support to help you during this challenging time.

Go to extra meetings, speak with your substance abuse counselor, take more time to meditate or exercise or do the things that keep you feeling secure in your sobriety. You have made a great effort in breaking addiction. You will get through the holidays now that you are sober.