December is here in North Central Massachusetts and along with the snow, early sunsets, cold temperatures, the holidays can trigger memories and added pressures. It can be a very hard time for people in recovery and those struggling with Substance & Alcohol Use.
My name is Angie Hutchinson, and I am a Recovery Coach at Community Health Connections. I have been working in the recovery field since 2020 and have over 20 years of lived experience. I have 4 outstanding adult humans that I raised as a single mom. I recently became married in May to my husband that is also in recovery. Being a recovery coach isn’t a job for me; it’s my passion. Recovery is an everyday life choice we have to want to make. I am here to tell you it’s not always easy, but it’s worth it!
As a recovery coach who leads support groups and meets with our patients and connects with our community, I tell people every year, the goal isn't a hallmark holiday. The goal is to stay true to your sobriety and yourself.
A few things that may help:
- Keep your normal routine - sleep, move your body, work, eat healthy, and attend meetings. Basically, the basic routine of everyday life.
Going to a holiday party or event?
- Plan around vulnerable events. You can say no to people, places, conversations, houses or parties, if they threaten your recovery.
- Pregame with support. Go to a meeting, talk to a recovery coach, or hop online on a recovery group.
- Plan your exit before you walk in. An example of this is who are you going to text or call?
- Bring a drink you trust like seltzer, soda, cider. You can do this in your own cup so no one has to know.
- Get involved at the party – help cook, clean or play games. Stay busy.
- Bring a sober friend with you for support.
- Create your own tradition. - bake cookies, take a drive and check out holiday lights.
- Help someone else struggling, it brings focus back to your purpose.
- Get organized – have support numbers, and meeting information ready to use.
You don't have to sparkle this month, you just must stay sober, and you don't have to do it alone! Sobriety is strongest when it’s shared-not carried.
We are always here, just reach out. - Angie
See our website for more information, and up-to-date Recovery & Addiction Support Group weekly meeting details. CLICK HERE or call 978-878-8484
Additional Resources:
Alcholics Anonymous - aameeting.net
Grief support with loss from addiction - thesunwillrise.org
Aps:
Meeting Guide is an app that has AA meetings on it. https://www.aa.org/meeting-guide-app
Teamup is also an app with grief support meetings for loss of addiction Teamup Mobile Apps - Teamup.com