For many people the holiday season is a time of celebration and togetherness. But for those trying to reduce or eliminate recreational substance use, it can be a challenging period filled with triggers, temptations, and social pressures.
Whether you’re navigating parties, family gatherings, or moments of solitude, here are some practical tips to help you stay on track—and how to recover if you slip up.
Preparation is your best ally. Before attending events, think about potential challenges and how you’ll handle them:
Having a plan and knowing where you’re going to be and what you’re going to be doing can help you steer clear of situations that might be uncomfortable or unsettling.
It’s okay to say no to events or situations that might compromise your goals. Just because you’re invited doesn’t mean you need to attend – you can politely decline invitations that feel risky and prioritise gatherings with supportive people. Remember, your well-being comes first.
Shift your focus to activities that don’t revolve around substances. Consider:
Exploring hobbies like gardening, baking, crafting, woodwork, yoga or outdoor adventures – like swimming, kayaking or hiking.
The holidays can be stressful, so prioritise your mental and physical health:
Lean on your support system, whether it’s friends, family, or a recovery group. Staying connected can provide encouragement and accountability.
If past holidays were tied to substance use, start fresh with new traditions. Building new memories can help you redefine the season. Maybe you could start the holidays with a sunrise swim, a nature walk or breakfast with friends.
If you slip up, don’t let guilt or shame derail your progress. Recovery is a journey, and setbacks are part of the process. Reflect on what happened, reach out for support, and recommit to your goals. Remember, every day is a new opportunity to start fresh.
By planning ahead, setting boundaries, and focusing on self-care, you can navigate the festive season with confidence. And if you stumble, know that it’s never too late to get back on track. Your journey is yours to shape, one step at a time.
Most importantly, if you feel your AOD use is causing issues or becoming problematic, reach out to professional support especially over holiday periods where it can be more challenging to refrain at social events with higher AOD use.
Social Futures provides free alcohol and drug support for individuals of all ages through The Bridge Upper Hunter Drug and Alcohol Service in Singleton. Anyone can access these free services without needing a referral.
A multidisciplinary team provides counselling, peer support and specialist clinical services, and are committed to helping people to navigate a variety of drug and alcohol challenges.
For information, call 1800 319 801 or drop into our Singleton hub at 2/16 Cambridge St, Singleton.
The Bridge Christmas operating hours
The Bridge is open until 23 December 2025. It will close for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day and will be open between 29 December and 31 December. New Years Day and Friday 2 January will be closed. Full-time hours resume from 5 January 2026.
Wishing you a safe and joyful holiday.
