The holidays are almost here, and this is the year you can give your loved ones the best gift of all – your sobriety.

When you’re sober over the holidays, your loved ones will have their best holiday yet. At Banyan Treatment Centers, we offer personalized detox, treatment, and alumni recovery programs, making it possible to approach this holiday season with newfound sobriety. What happens when you get sober for the holidays? We interviewed former patients from our drug addiction treatment center, asking them what it was like to finally be sober for the holidays. Here’s what you can expect for your first sober holiday, straight from a member of our alumni recovery program. Here is their story.

Banyan Treatment Centers Question: What was your first sober family holiday like?
Sober Alumni Answer: Best Christmas ever!

Q: Is it harder to stay sober during the holidays?
A: It hasn't been, thank God.

Q: What were your challenges in staying sober over the holidays?
A: When my mom had to go back to Michigan, I felt lost.

Q: Was your family supportive of your sobriety?
A: Yes, all the way.

Q: Did they change any traditions to support your sobriety?
A: They don't drink around me, but my husband had a hard time stopping until May of 2018. But now [he] has 3 months!

Q: What is fun about a sober New Year’s Eve?
A: Getting together, counting down [to the new year].

Q: How do you recommend resisting triggers?
A: Focus on doing all of the activities that the program has to offer. Don't miss out – be a part of [it] no matter how you feel. Your disease will tell you [that] you don't belong, but do not be afraid!

Q: Do you still attend holiday parties?
A: Clean and sober ones.

Q: How do you handle the pressures to drink at holiday parties or celebrations?
A: Don't go, as of now.

Q: How can someone build a holiday sobriety support system?
A: Always find out the local activities that are sober.

Q: What advice would you give to someone who is going to have their first sober holiday?
A: Stay close to sober people and find out what they're doing. Do not think you'll be able to go and just not drink at a bar or party, because in a moment of temptation, the disease may set in. Go everywhere with a group of sober people. GUARD YOUR SOBRIETY AT ALL COSTS. I think of my recovery like a family member – I have to take care of it and it’s precious to me.

Many people wonder what happens when you get sober, especially over the holidays. Getting sober for the holidays is the best gift you can give your loved ones, but it’s a gift that requires constant diligence. Sobriety is something you will always work to maintain, and the rewards are incredible. Contact us today at 888-280-4763 to get started on your sobriety.