Why Christmas New Years Are High-Risk Times for Relapse
The holiday season is often described as joyful, heartwarming, and magical — a time for family gatherings, celebration, and reflection. But for people in recovery, or anyone struggling with alcohol or drug use, Christmas and New Year’s can also be some of the most stressful and triggering days of the year.
Alcohol is everywhere, routines are disrupted, emotions run high, and the pressure to “join in” can feel overwhelming. If you’re working hard to stay sober, you might be worried about how you’ll navigate all of this without slipping back into old patterns.
At Design for Change Recovery in Lancaster, California, we understand how complicated the holidays can feel in recovery. The good news is: with planning, support, and the right tools, it is absolutely possible to get through Christmas and New Year’s without picking up a drink or a drug — and even find new meaning and joy in the season.
Holiday culture normalizes heavy drinking. Office parties, family dinners, bar meetups, and New Year’s Eve countdowns often revolve around alcohol or other substances. Toasts, shots, and “just one drink” moments are built into the celebration.
For someone in recovery, constant exposure to alcohol can trigger cravings, romanticize past use, or create internal conflict — especially if others don’t understand or respect your sobriety.
The holidays tend to magnify whatever is already there emotionally:
Even people with years of sobriety can find Christmas gatherings emotionally exhausting. When emotions are raw, alcohol or drugs can start to look like an easy way to “take the edge off.”
Routines help protect recovery. During the holidays, however, regular schedules often fall apart. Work slows down, meetings get canceled or moved, kids are home from school, and daily structure can disappear.
Without that stability, it’s easier to skip self-care, miss support meetings, and let old behaviors creep back in.
Shorter days, colder weather, financial strain, and the pressure to “be happy” can all worsen:
According to resources like the SAMHSA National Helpline, stress and depression are common during the holidays — and can increase the risk of relapse for those with a substance use disorder.
Comments like “It’s Christmas, live a little!” or “One drink won’t hurt” can be extremely difficult to hear when you’re trying to stay sober. Social pressure — especially from family, old friends, or coworkers — can make it hard to stand your ground, even when you know what’s at stake.
Don’t walk into a holiday event unprepared. Before you go:
You are never obligated to stay at a gathering that feels unsafe for your recovery. Having a plan ahead of time can reduce anxiety and help you respond calmly instead of reacting impulsively.
It’s much easier to decline a drink when you already have something in your hand. Consider bringing:
This not only gives you control over what you’re drinking, but also reduces unwanted questions.
You don’t owe anyone your story, your history, or an explanation. Short, confident responses are often the most effective, such as:
Most people will move on quickly. If they don’t, that says more about them than it does about you.
If someone else controls when you leave, you may end up staying longer than you want to — especially as people get more intoxicated and the atmosphere changes.
By driving yourself, using a rideshare service, or having a pre-arranged ride you can call, you keep control over your exit. If the environment becomes uncomfortable or unsafe, you can leave without having to negotiate with anyone.
It’s okay — and often necessary — to protect your recovery by staying away from:
You don’t have to prove anything by putting yourself in tempting situations. Sobriety means choosing what is healthy over what is familiar.
Connection is one of the strongest safeguards against relapse. During the holiday season:
Many recovery communities host special Christmas and New Year’s meetings, marathon meetings, or holiday events to help people stay connected. Check local listings or online meeting directories for extra support.
Before or during any event, pause and ask yourself:
These four states can easily mimic cravings or make relapse feel more tempting. If you’re feeling any of them, address that need first:
Recovery isn’t just about avoiding substances — it’s about building a life that feels worth staying sober for. Try:
Building new traditions can help you experience the holidays in a completely different, healthier way.
Emotional health and sobriety are deeply connected. During Christmas and New Year’s, make space for:
Resources like the
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
offer helpful information on seasonal depression, which can be especially relevant this time of year.
If an event, person, or situation doesn’t feel safe for you, it’s okay to say no. Sobriety requires honesty with yourself. Sometimes the healthiest choice is to skip the party, leave early, or change your plans at the last minute.
Your recovery is more important than anyone’s opinion.
If you’ve already had a slip or relapse, you are not a failure — and you are not alone. The holidays are an especially challenging time, and many people in recovery experience setbacks.
The most important thing is what you do next:
A relapse is a serious warning sign, but it can also become a turning point toward a stronger, more committed recovery — especially if you get support quickly.
At Design for Change Recovery in Lancaster, California, we help individuals and families navigate the challenges of addiction, relapse, and recovery all year round — including during the holiday season.
Our programs include:
Whether you’re newly sober, worried about getting through the holidays, or struggling after a relapse, you don’t have to do this alone.
Yes. Millions of people in recovery navigate the holidays sober every year. It takes planning, support, and honesty about your limits, but it is absolutely possible — and deeply rewarding.
You can explain your needs, set boundaries, and limit your time around people who don’t respect them. In some cases, it may be healthier to spend the holidays with supportive friends, recovery peers, or at meetings.
No. You can share as much or as little as you’re comfortable with. Simple responses like “I’m not drinking tonight” or “I’m taking a break from alcohol” are enough.
Loneliness is common in recovery during Christmas and New Year’s. Consider attending extra meetings, reaching out to sober friends, volunteering, or connecting with people online in recovery communities.
If you’re struggling to stop using, repeatedly relapsing, hiding your use, or feeling that substances are controlling your life, it may be time to seek help. You can contact Design for Change Recovery to discuss your situation confidentially and explore treatment options.
If you’re worried about staying sober through Christmas and New Year’s — or you’ve already had a slip and want to get back on track — Design for Change Recovery is here to help.
You deserve support, safety, and a holiday season that doesn’t revolve around alcohol or drugs.
Call us today. We’re available 24/7 to take your call and help you take the next step.