For many, December is a month filled with celebration, connection, travel, and reflection. But for people in recovery, or those considering it, it’s also one of the most high-risk months for relapse. The combination of emotional intensity, disrupted routines, financial strain, and widespread access to alcohol and other substances creates a perfect storm. Understanding why this time of year is so challenging can help you protect your progress and navigate the month with clarity.
Here’s why December poses such a heightened risk and the biggest things to avoid if you want to stay strong in your recovery.
Holiday parties, family gatherings, office events, and year-end celebrations typically involve alcohol — and often a lot of it. Even if you plan to avoid drinking, simply being surrounded by it can trigger cravings, emotional discomfort, or “just one drink” mentality.
Try to steer clear of events centered solely around drinking. Avoid high-pressure social situations where there isn’t support or solid exit strategies. While it might seem like a good idea, don’t fall back on old habits and show up where you use to drink or use. Nostalgia isn’t always the best when you have intentions of staying strong.
If attending is unavoidable, bring a sober buddy, have a plan if you need to leave, or limit the time you spend in high-risk settings.
December brings families together, which can be healing, but it can also reopen old wounds. Grief, unresolved conflict, criticism, childhood dynamics, and expectations can easily trigger stress, shame, or feelings of inadequacy. For those in recovery, family tension can reignite the same emotional states that once fueled substance use.
Know that you can’t please everyone and get comfortable saying no. Don’t ever put yourself in a risky situation to appease someone else. Suggest another location or simply decline. When it comes to toxic or dismissive family members, make sure that the time spent with them is structured and intentional. Know your in and out.
Try to avoid people and conversations that repeatedly bring up the past or make you feel uncomfortable. It’s okay to set boundaries, decline invitations, or leave early if emotional tensions rise.
Not everyone is surrounded by family or friends during the holidays. December can amplify feelings of loneliness, isolation, or not belonging. The shorter days and reduced sunlight can also worsen Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which is strongly linked to increased cravings and emotional vulnerability.
Try not to isolate yourself for long stretches of time. On the opposite side of the spectrum, don’t use loneliness as justification for reconnecting with unhealthy people in your life. Lean on the people who support your choices and make you feel good. Connection is one of the strongest protectors against relapse. Reach out, even when it feels uncomfortable. Don’t avoid support meetings or skip check-ins, even when you’re feeling like you don’t need one. It’s best to stay vigilant.
Between gift-giving expectations, travel, and holiday spending, December brings intense financial strain for many people. Money worries can increase anxiety and financial guilt which can spiral into shame — a triggering emotion for people in early recovery. On top of that, the pressure to “end the year strong” can create feelings of failure or hopelessness.
Don’t overspend or give in to impulsive purchases. Know what you can and can’t handle. If a commitment is giving you stress, bow out gracefully. Be realistic with yourself and what you are emotionally capable of.
Above all else, try to avoid the social media doom scroll. It leads to comparison, which is a slippery slope. Try to avoid comparing your situation to anyone else’s in any capacity. Set realistic limits and practicing honesty with yourself helps keep peace of mind intact.
Recovery thrives on stability. December, however, tends to disrupt the rhythms that keep you grounded. Sleep schedules shift, meal patterns change, work slows down or becomes more chaotic, travel disrupts recovery routines, and support meetings tend to change or have reduced schedules.
Without structure, cravings and old habits have more room to creep back in. Do what you can to maintain the status quo. Don’t skip meetings or do anything differently because “it’s the holidays.” Don’t let self-care slide or abandon routines that make you feel safe. Keep doing what’s been working for you and stick to that regimen. Even small, consistent habits can keep you anchored.
The holidays can stir memories, both good and painful. Sometimes people romanticize their past substance use as part of holiday traditions. “Just one drink,” “just one night,” or “just this once” thoughts become especially convincing in December. This cognitive trap is one of the biggest predictors of relapse.
Don’t let yourself minimize your past substance use. Don’t revisit places, people, or rituals associated with your addiction. It’s a very tempting road that isn’t always worth the risk. While you’ve come a long way and may be in a better place than ever before, entertaining thoughts like “I can control it now” can set you up for failure. Remind yourself that nostalgia isn’t honesty — it’s selective memory.
While December is full of potential triggers, it doesn’t have to derail your recovery. With preparation, support, and self-awareness, you can navigate the month with strength. You’re not alone in this — and you don’t have to white-knuckle your way through the season.
If you’re worried about relapse this December or feel your recovery slipping, reach out before a setback becomes overwhelming. Hickory Recovery Network is available all day, every day, to help you explore your options and figure out what plan is best for you. Call 800-604-2117 to talk to an understanding professional who can help you stay safe this season. You don’t have to face the rest of the year alone. Reach out. Stay grounded. Protect your recovery.
