HOUGHTON — Holidays can be a difficult time for people recovering from alcohol use disorder or substance use disorder.

“Christmas and especially New Year’s Eve can be a difficult time for people suffering from drug and alcohol addiction,” says U.K.-based Rehab Clinics Group. “It’s a time for celebration but also one of expectation, where people commonly celebrate by attending parties and drinking, which can be hard on those in recovery.”

Illinois-based Gateway Foundation recommends starting with a plan:

“Planning how to navigate a triggering event such as a holiday will allow you to successfully maintain your sobriety. Specific social settings, family members or friends have the potential to trigger substance use. Fortunately, several activities you found enjoyable before recovery are also enjoyable sober. Surrounding yourself with members of your support network can also be extremely helpful.”

Particularly in the early stages of recovery, the pressure to drink alcohol can be overwhelming. Yet, it is possible to combat, and overcome, the temptation to drink. Savida Health offers five tips for staying true to recovery:

≤ “Stay committed to accountability,” Savida advises. “Be honest with yourself about situations you can and can’t safely handle. Keep in mind everything you’ve achieved and all the trust you’ve earned back now that you’re in recovery. Nothing’s worth losing all that.”

≤ If there will alcohol present at a New Year’s Eve party, take a sober friend.

“It’s much easier to stay sober when you have a buddy by your side that shares the values of recovery,” says Savida.

≤ Have an escape plan in the event that the presence of alcohol creates temptation.

≤ Put buffers in place. Nonalcoholic beverages are an excellent buffer, Savida says:

“Having a drink in your hand at the party gives the illusion that you’re ‘blending in with the crowd.’ It also prevents people from coming up to you and asking why you aren’t drinking or offering to buy you a drink at the bar.”

≤ Do not alter or neglect a recovery routine. Go to support meetings as usual, or plan to attend an additional meeting (or two) for the holiday.

Skywood Recovery Center, of Royal Oak, Mich., suggests finding a supportive sober community.

“There are many sober events happening on New Year’s Eve, so you don’t have to party to have fun,” Skywood advises. “There are sober parties, concerts and other events happening all over the country. You can also find online sober communities to connect with if you can’t attend an event in person.”

Skywood also suggests reaching out to a sober support system.

Also, avoid triggers that could cause a relapse. These could include people, places or things that trigger the urge to drink or use drugs on New Year’s Eve. If there is a risk that a bar or a restaurant that serves alcohol could be a trigger, avoid those places.

Skywood also suggests considering goals.

“Before you do anything else, it’s important to take a step back and consider your goals for the evening,” the center recommends. “What do you want to get out of New Year’s? Are you looking to socialize or would you prefer a more low-key evening?”

In recovery, people are aware that holidays are surrounded by a culture of drinking and drug use. As Recovery Unplugged states:

“People in recovery often feel like they have their noses pressed against the glass on New Year’s Eve. The holidays are supposed to be about new beginnings and fresh starts, and they promise to be the best versions of themselves in the coming year.”

Yet, for those in recovery who succeed in remaining true to their recovery programs, the holidays are precisely about new beginnings and fresh starts, with a bright future in sobriety and recovery.

As Recovery Unplugged points out, New Year’s Eve should be about drinking.

“One of the most helpful ways to stay sober during New Year’s Eve and beyond is to focus on the possibilities of the future,” says Recovery Unplugged. “This means setting realistic short-term goals each day or week while keeping an eye on the big picture.”