What can I do living at Sober Living Homes over the holidays?
Now that spooky season is over, you might (begrudgingly or excitedly) start noticing every commercial, house, and proverbial hall is decked in anticipation of the upcoming winter holidays. However, decor may be the last thing on your mind if you’re one of almost 2 million US residents living in rehab centers or sober living homes annually. Starting in November, our team at Lighthouse Recovery in Dallas receives numerous questions about what is and isn’t allowed for residents of our Sober Living Program.
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions surrounding Sober Living Homes and the holidays:
- Can I stay at home on Christmas?
One of the most commonly asked questions from residents of our Sober Living Homes in Dallas is “can I go home for Christmas?” or even “can I just go home for Christmas morning?” The answer? It depends. Our in-house managers can consult with therapists and the rest of the Lighthouse Recovery team to make that decision on a case-by-case basis. We do not function on a “timeline-based” system whereby just because residents have stayed with us for longer, they earn more privileges. We utilize a “progress-based system” whereby all privileges are earned. This aligns with our philosophical approach and individualized treatment plans.
- Are family members allowed to visit?
Yes! Visitors are allowed at Lighthouse Recovery Sober Living Houses. As far as other rehab centers in Dallas, policies may vary; however, usually exceptions are made around the holidays to allow for that special time. Simply check with your directors, house managers, and fellow residents to coordinate visitors this holiday season. And, try to stay positive – think of the hard work you’re doing to ensure you fight the underlying causes of addiction and prevent further relapse or future holiday stays in rehab.
- Are there any holiday parties at rehab centers?
It depends on the individual rehab center, but at Lighthouse Recovery, our team plans a house get together as well as a community outing for the holidays. If you’re the epitome of a merry celebrator, you can always talk to your house manager about extra opportunities to spread holiday cheer – a house gift exchange, secret Santa, or other type of tradition.
- How do we avoid holiday-related triggers?
Many rehab center residents don’t find the most wonderful time of year so wonderful. The holidays can be filled with painful memories of past seasons and making disappointing decisions or blowout family fights. The holidays, when out of rehab, are also more commonly paired with partying, alcohol, and it can make it extra challenging for a recovering addict to be surrounded with so many potential relapse opportunities. Our experienced team of therapists, house managers, and recovery coaches work with you (and your family) to identify the underlying causes of addiction, identify potential relapse opportunities, and work to plan around succeeding in long-term sobriety once you graduate from our Sober Living Program.
The goal of our whole team at Lighthouse Recovery – from our Master’s level therapists to our experienced and hands on case managers – is to provide a safe, supportive environment for people to heal and thrive together, and to dramatically increase long-term sobriety. We know residing in a Dallas-based rehab center or sober living home throughout Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year’s Eve, and all the celebrations toward the end of the year can be isolating, challenging, and bring up painful memories. We’re here for you! Talk to your team today about how to best cope around the holidays, make a plan to celebrate safely, and let’s work toward sobriety. If you’re not yet enrolled in a substance abuse treatment program, give our team a call and we can chat with you about if Lighthouse Recovery is right for you.
