Between financial pressures, social obligations, and traditions tied to alcohol or other substances, staying sober through the holidays could have been a real challenge. For members of the LGBTQ+ community, these difficulties may have been amplified by family tensions or the absence of affirming spaces.
Thankfully, by focusing on connection, self-care, and intentional strategies, you can regain your footing and move forward confidently.
Recharge your recovery at Los Angeles’ leading LGBTQ-affirmative treatment center. Call La Fuente at 323.464.2947.
5 Things That Recharge Your Recovery During The Holidays
1. Double Down on Support Group Meetings
Support group meetings are a lifeline, especially when you’re working to get back on track. Attending even one extra meeting can provide the added connection and accountability you need to recommit to your recovery.
If you’re looking for LGBTQ-specific recovery spaces, here are some helpful resources:
- Los Angeles County Alcoholics Anonymous: A directory of online and in-person AA meetings in Los Angeles and California, with several LGBTQ-focused options.
- AT Center: A hub for online and in-person recovery meetings, including many LGBTQ-focused meetings.
- Gay & Sober: An online directory offering LGBTQ-focused AA, NA, and Crystal Meth Anonymous (CMA) meetings.
Can’t attend in person? Virtual meetings are available 24/7, making it easier to stay connected no matter where the holiday season takes you.
2. Move Your Body to Recharge Your Mind
Exercise is one of the best ways to recharge your recovery, especially after the stress of the holiday season. Physical activity doesn’t just strengthen your body—it also boosts your mental health. Movement releases dopamine and other feel-good chemicals naturally, helping to reduce stress, ease anxiety, and improve your mood.
If you’re not sure where to start, here are some ideas:
- Start Small and Keep It Simple: You don’t need an elaborate fitness plan to get moving. A brisk walk, some light stretching, or even a short home workout can make a difference. Even 15 minutes a day is enough to help you feel better.
- Try Recovery-Friendly Activities: Yoga, jogging, swimming, or dancing are great ways to stay active while releasing natural endorphins. Choose something you enjoy so it feels less like a chore.
- Be Consistent: Schedule your movement time like any other important commitment. Making it a habit will help you stick with it even during busy weeks.
3. Rediscover Sobriety Through Memoirs
Sometimes, the best way to recharge your recovery is by stepping into someone else’s story. Sobriety memoirs offer inspiration, camaraderie, and a sense of shared experience. These real-life accounts can remind you that you’re not alone in your journey and reinforce your commitment to staying sober.
Here are a few powerful memoirs to consider:
- Dry by Augusten Burroughs
A witty and brutally honest memoir by Burroughs, a gay author, who recounts his battle with alcoholism, the chaos of hitting rock bottom, and his journey toward recovery. - Blackout: Remembering the Things I Drank to Forget by Sarah Hepola
Hepola explores her relationship with alcohol, the blackouts that marked her drinking years, and her eventual path to rediscovering herself in sobriety. - We Are the Luckiest: The Surprising Magic of a Sober Life by Laura McKowen
McKowen’s heartfelt book celebrates the unexpected joys of a sober life and explores how sobriety opened the door to personal growth and fulfillment.
Reading these memoirs can provide a fresh perspective on your own recovery, reminding you of the strength it takes to stay sober and the beauty of living a sober life.
4. Equip Yourself with a Sober Social Game Plan
While most holiday gatherings have passed, the same strategies are valuable as you rebuild routines and face post-holiday gatherings.
- Bring Support: Attend events with a sober buddy or accountability partner who can help you handle challenging situations
- Prepare a Go-To Drink: Bring or request non-alcoholic options so you always have something in hand. Mocktails, sparkling water, or soda can help you feel part of the festivities without compromising your sobriety.
- Practice Your Responses: Have a polite but firm response ready for when someone offers you a drink. Simple replies like “I’m good with what I have” or “I’m not drinking tonight” can help avoid awkward conversations.
- Know Your Limits: If a gathering feels too overwhelming or triggering, allow yourself to skip it or leave early. Protecting your sobriety is the top priority.
- Create New Traditions: Replace drinking-centered activities with fun, meaningful alternatives. Host a sober holiday dinner, organize a game night, or volunteer to give back during the season.
5. Prioritize Gratitude, Mindfulness, and Self-Care
The holidays may have been stressful, making it even more important to focus on your emotional, mental, and physical well-being now. Taking care of yourself holistically can help you stay grounded, positive, and committed to sobriety.
- Gratitude Practice: Writing down a few things you’re thankful for each day can shift your mindset from stress and pressure to positivity and appreciation.
- Mindfulness: Incorporate meditation or breathing exercises to calm your mind and reduce anxiety. Even a few minutes of mindfulness each day can help you feel more present and in control.
- Affirming Self-Care: Treat yourself with kindness and compassion. Attend a queer-friendly holiday event to feel connected, book a relaxing spa day, or simply carve out quiet time for yourself. Prioritizing self-care isn’t selfish; it’s an essential part of staying balanced.
- Sober Affirmations: Take a few moments each day to write or speak affirmations that reinforce your commitment to sobriety. Focus on positive statements like, “I am strong enough to maintain my recovery,” or “Living sober allows me to embrace my true self.” These affirmations can help you stay motivated and grounded, especially during challenging moments.
Recharge Your Recovery with La Fuente
Whether you’re looking for support to stay sober after the holiday season, need help recommitting to your recovery, or are ready to begin your journey to sobriety for the first time, the La Fuente team is here to help.
Located in Los Angeles, our LGBTQ-affirming inpatient and outpatient programs provide the guidance and community you need to thrive. Let this season be a time of renewal and self-discovery: Call us today at 323.464.2947 and let us support you every step of the way.
