Monarch Recovery Services

12/22/2025

A big strategy for dealing with family over the holidays is not only to have that backup plan but to also have an exit strategy. You can't always predict how a situation will play out or how you will feel. Having an exit strategy for potentially stressful holiday situations is essential.
No matter what, it can be important to exit early from family gatherings during the holidays because it’s late at night when people can reach for that extra drink and things can get unpleasant. If your family is the type to drink openly in front of you, then this is particularly crucial. Make sure you know you have a safe way to get home before you even get there so you aren’t endangering yourself and your sobriety.

12/21/2025

Don’t let yourself spend too much time sitting around and chatting with your friends and family members. Because most often, this sitting around can involve or lead to drinking. This year, plan some more engaging activities. Get outside for some ice skating or sledding with the family. Build a gingerbread house or play holiday games, volunteer to do the dishes, the possibilities are endless. Helping keeps your hands busy and lets you avoid just sitting around and watching family drink.

12/20/2025

You may want to join in on the holiday festivities, but at the same time feel concerned about getting carried away. Being surrounded by others who are drinking, and possibly encouraging you to drink as well, can be immensely triggering and dangerous to your sobriety.
Having a supportive friend, family member or sponsor who can help you to celebrate sober can help you have fun and finish out the night without a drink. Discuss your concerns ahead of time and make concrete plans for how you will both respond if you find yourself slipping. Bringing someone who understands your sobriety and can help you hold yourself accountable can make you feel stronger and more supported.

12/19/2025

While most often a merry time, many people still experience stress during the holidays. Whether it be last-minute gift giving or stressful relationships within the family, you may know these anxieties as well. In the past, you may have channeled these stresses through drinking and/or drug use. You may have used substances as an escape. In recovery, you must find new ways to cope with your stresses – such as working out at the gym, going for a walk, reading a book, or meeting a sober friend for coffee.

12/18/2025

Don't let the holidays become a free-for-all. Overindulgence only adds to your stress and guilt.
Try these suggestions:
• Have a healthy snack before holiday meals so that you don't go overboard on sweets, cheese or drinks.
• Eat healthy meals.
• Get plenty of sleep.
• Include regular physical activity in your daily routine.

12/17/2025

If you are struggling with your sobriety or being alone during the holidays, reach out.
Reach out to friends, family, or your sponsor. Need a meeting or crisis support, view the links below:
NA Meetings - https://www.sudburyareana.com/home
AA Meetings - https://findrecovery.com/aa_meetings/ma/north-sudbury/
Crisis Intervention - https://www.crisishelp.ca/
Warm Line - https://nisa.on.ca/programs/regional-warm-line/

12/16/2025

The holidays aren’t about expensive gifts. It’s about spending time with those you love. It doesn’t help anyone to put yourself in debt to give gifts to all your friends and family.

Here are over 100 gift ideas that cost under $10.
https://www.prudentpennypincher.com/christmas-gifts-under-10/

12/15/2025

To avoid excessive explanations about your sobriety, simply carry a drink of choice in your hand – egg nog, water, coffee, whatever you prefer. By doing so, people will have no need to ask you if you need a beverage, which avoids awkward discussions. If someone does offer you a glass of wine, you can easily turn it down by saying, “No, thank you, I’m all set.”

To help you out, check out these 20 non-alcoholic cocktails you can make for yourself and those you are celebrating with. https://www.womansday.com/food-recipes/food-drinks/g2036/non-alcoholic-drinks/

12/14/2025

This year, you may be brought back to places and parties where you used to have fun and use. You may run into old friends who are back in town, old friends from your using days, who will remind you of substance use. As a part of your recovery plan, it is important to know how to properly cope with the relapse triggers that the holidays so often bring. Manage them as they arise so that you do not find yourself face-to-face with relapse. If you encounter a familiar, dangerous situation, walk away. If you feel yourself getting frustrated or lonely in your sobriety, talk to someone you trust. If you feel physically or mentally exhausted, get some rest to try and quiet any uneasiness. Properly taking care of yourself – physically, mentally, and emotionally – can help you avoid a relapse.

12/13/2025

Now that you are reaching for recovery or are living in recovery, this year may be different from previous years. Take the time to find what you enjoy about the holidays. What new events, traditions, or activities can you incorporate into the season. Many people find that giving back in some way, such as by volunteering, helps to establish meaningfully connect with others. Others may take pleasure in reinventing their typical holiday activities, building upon their newfound health and interests. As you affirm your new self on these festive days, you are choosing to celebrate the new, better, clean, and sober life that you have created. This might mean hosting a sober, festive gathering with friends you made throughout your recovery.

12/12/2025