When the Holidays Stir Old Habits: Navigating Family, Stress, and Sobriety

The holiday season is often a time of joy, connection, and celebration – yet for many people in recovery, it can also bring a mix of anxiety, pressure, and emotional triggers. You may notice a quiet internal conflict rising within you: Why am I feeling pulled back toward old habits? Why does being around family feel so activating? How can this season feel both joyful and so heavy?  

You might find yourself navigating gatherings where alcohol is the centerpiece, managing complicated family dynamics, or feeling old memories resurface as the year comes to a close. If you’re walking the path of sobriety, this season can feel both beautiful and overwhelming. The good news? You are not alone, and there are intentional steps you can take to stay grounded, supported, and connected to your why.

Substance use is rarely about the substance itself – it’s about the feelings underneath. During the holidays, many people experience:

• Old family roles or unresolved conflict
• Grief resurfacing around traditions or the passage of time
• Loneliness, even when surrounded by others
• Social pressure to drink and “have fun” or "just relax"

These emotional layers are real, and they deserve attention with compassion - not judgment.

Sobriety brings clarity. And with clarity often comes new awareness of the people, places, and emotions that feel activating.

Holiday triggers might look like:

• A family member offering you a drink without thinking
• Watching others indulge in ways you used to
• Stress, grief, or unresolved family tension

Noticing these moments doesn’t mean you’re failing; it means you’re human.
Awareness is one of the most powerful tools you have in recovery.

Preparation isn’t about overthinking – it’s about protecting your peace. Consider:

• Bringing your own non-alcoholic drink
• Attending a meeting before or after a gathering
• Driving yourself so you can leave early if you need to
• Having a supportive friend or sponsor on standby

Your sobriety is worth planning for. You’re allowed to prioritize the version of yourself you’re becoming.

If you feel tempted, overwhelmed, or even if you slip – shame keeps you stuck. Compassion is what helps you grow.

The holidays are messy for a lot of people. You are not behind. You are not broken. You are human.

Recovery wasn’t meant to be done alone.
Whether it’s a sponsor, your counselor, a meeting, or a trusted friend who understands your story, keep connection close. Support makes the journey lighter.

You don’t owe anyone access to you at the expense of your well-being.
It’s okay to set boundaries. It’s okay to decline an invitation. It’s okay to leave early.

Sobriety is a relationship with yourself – and sometimes self-love sounds like, “Not this year."

If the holidays are stirring up old habits or raising questions about your relationship with substances, you don't have to face those feelings alone. Counseling can help you explore those patterns with curiosity instead of shame, build coping skills, and create a plan that supports the version of yourself you’re trying to grow into.

I would be honored to walk alongside you through this season.

Lizzie works with older children (age 10 and up), teens, adults, and couples as they navigate  anxiety, depression, ADHD, grief, addiction, and life transitions. She incorporates creativity and expressive arts into her work and is especially passionate about supporting clients through identity development, relational struggles, and seasons of change. If you would like to meet with Lizzie or another ALCS counselor, please contact our office.