Navigating the Holidays While in Medication-Assisted Treatment

Discover helpful tips to confidently navigate holiday gatherings while in MAT, including managing questions, setting boundaries and maintaining support. 

The holiday season is a time for joy, family, and celebration—but for individuals in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) during the holidays, it can also bring unique stressors and emotional triggers. Attending holiday gatherings this year may require you to prepare yourself for some uncomfortable situations. However, with the right strategies, you can enjoy the holidays with your loved ones without too much worry.  

Middlesex Recovery created this holiday survival guide to support patients navigating gatherings while in medication-assisted treatment. With some emotional planning, the stress of the holiday season will seem much more manageable. This way, you will be able to enjoy spending time with your loved ones.  

How to Navigate Holiday Questions While in Medication-Assisted Treatment

When addressing questions from family and friends about your recovery during the holidays, it is essential to prepare in advance. You will want to set boundaries and share only what you are comfortable disclosing. For example:  

Answering the “what is new with you?” question: Of course, there are a lot of new things going on in your life, but do you really want to tell everyone your business? Be selective and give everyone outside of your closest family some enthusiastic, light-hearted answers. Highlight positive, non-recovery-related insight into your life and redirect the question back at the person asking.  

Responding to offers of substances: Social pressure in recovery can be highly uncomfortable and triggering. Still, there are plenty of ways to say no to an offer of a drink or drugs without making the situation awkward. Tell them you are not consuming anything tonight because you are focusing on your health goals. Add some casual tidbits about your newest active hobbies or a recent personal achievement.  

Handling intrusive questions: Boundaries in recovery are essential because some people cannot accept ‘no’ for an answer. This is a great time to work on your communication skills and assert confidence. Inform the nosy person that you would rather not discuss details at this time. Additionally, you can express that the topic is making you uncomfortable and that you would prefer to discuss something else.  

Preparing answers to potential questions can help alleviate your anxiety and keep you in control of the discussion. Consider your relationship with the person and how much you feel comfortable sharing with them.  

Coping with Judgment at Family Events 

While stigma-free recovery would be ideal, reality is not so forgiving. When you are working hard towards recovery, the judgments, comments and opinions of others can be particularly stinging. It is essential to remember that your recovery journey is the most critical aspect of your life. You cannot control how others react or feel about you. However, you can focus on your own goals and continue striving to be the best version of yourself.  

Set your personal limits before an event where you know you will have to interact with some judgmental people. Prepare to communicate with them respectfully, without losing your cool. Boundaries are essential for safeguarding recovery and can help make gatherings easier to manage and navigate.  

Some other addiction recovery tips for the holidays include:  

Engage with trusted people. Discuss your needs with supportive friends or family beforehand. Ask for help redirecting conversations away from sensitive or triggering topics if necessary. This is one reason why family support is so vital in recovery. They can protect you from dealing with other people’s negativity.  

Decide what to share. Not everyone needs to know every detail of your life, especially when in recovery. Practice self-preservation by deciding what you want to share and with whom you want to share it. Just remember that word can travel fast. You may wish to adopt a blanket policy regarding details about your recovery for certain events to prevent gossip.  

Take breaks. Coping with triggers can be exhausting, especially when in public and at an event. If some people at the get-together are making you uncomfortable, excuse yourself. Find a quiet spot where you can relax and regroup. Distract yourself with breathing exercises or scrolling your social media feed. Anything that can help snap you out of a negative feeling will help.  

Plan your exit. You do not have to stay until the very end of a party. In fact, it is probably better to leave before people become noticeably intoxicated. Dealing with inebriated people when you are not imbibing can be triggering and downright annoying. Do not feel guilty for protecting yourself by making an early exit.  

Practice self-care. It is easy to overlook self-care during the holidays. You are so focused on everybody else; you can mindlessly slip up on your treatment routine. Avoid this by planning specific days to take care of yourself and check in with your recovery goals.  

Create new traditions: If you are tired of dealing with judgmental people at holiday parties, consider throwing your own. There is no reason to force yourself to be around people who can threaten your addiction treatment confidence. Create these new traditions with supportive friends and family you can trust. Do not forget to reach out to your recovery friends to join in on the fun.  

The holidays can serve as a time for healing and connection, even amidst addiction treatment. Building a strong support network will allow you to face challenges and draw strength from shared experiences. Keep in mind, recovery is an ongoing journey, not a final destination. Expect ups and downs, but with preparation and confidence, you can approach the holidays with hope and resilience. 

Supporting Recovery During the Holiday Season with Middlesex Recovery 

Managing holiday events as someone in addiction recovery requires careful planning, a reliable support network and prioritizing self-care. At Middlesex Recovery, we understand the challenges of navigating these occasions and recommend that you prioritize your well-being during the holiday season. By implementing practical steps and seeking support, you can not only survive but also thrive during the holiday season.  

If you or someone you know is wanting to start medication-assisted treatment during the holidays, Middlesex Recovery can help you feel supported and confident through every step.

We offer specialized Suboxone patient support and buprenorphine treatment. These medical therapies, along with substance use counseling, create a comprehensive approach to addiction. Your path to recovery matters to us, and we want to assist you at every stage. Contact Middlesex Recovery to learn more about our recovery programs.  

Frequently Asked Questions About Medication-Assisted Treatment During the Holidays

Is it safe to attend holiday gatherings while in MAT?
Yes, with preparation and support, individuals in medication-assisted treatment can attend and enjoy holiday events safely.

How can I talk about my MAT recovery with family?
Share only what you’re comfortable with. Set boundaries and practice responses in advance to help reduce anxiety and protect your privacy.

What are some tips for managing stress in MAT during the holidays?
Plan ahead, prioritize self-care, take breaks when needed, and connect with your recovery network regularly.