Many treatment programs advise people not to date in the early stages of recovery in order to focus on themselves, but when Valentine’s Day arrives, being single might feel depressing rather than empowering.
If you’ve recently completed inpatient treatment and are freshly sober, you’re probably single on Valentine’s Day and feeling triggered. While being alone may tempt some people to drink their sorrows away or numb the agony with drugs, this is not the solution. Using drugs or alcohol to get through Valentine’s Day is not the way to go, especially now that you are sober.
Addiction Recovery Tips for Your First Valentine’s Day
Being sober and single on Valentine’s Day doesn’t mean you can’t have fun. Even if you are not in a relationship, our Serene rehab centre is offering some advice on how to have a joyful Valentine’s Day in recovery.
Give the Gift of Love
Despite the fact that this Hallmark holiday appears to be all about romantic connections, it doesn’t have to be. If you’re still in early recovery, chances are your loved ones have been through a lot, and some of them have been there for you every step of the way. Use this holiday to convey how much you care for and appreciate these people. Send flowers to your mother. Purchase your buddies’ favourite candy. Make a nice card for your sponsor. Even a tiny gesture can make a big difference and make you feel good about yourself.
Self-Love is a good thing to practice
You don’t have to be in a relationship to enjoy Valentine’s Day. For someone in early recovery, a day of self-care makes a terrific sober Valentine’s Day. Both your physical and emotional health can be harmed by drugs and alcohol. Make Valentine’s Day a day of self-care to help your body recuperate. To care for damaged skin, have an at-home spa day. To get your heart pounding, go for a brisk stroll. De-stress by meditating. Make a list of all the things you like about yourself and how clean you are.
Social media should be avoided
Don’t torture yourself by stalking your ex on social media for the most up-to-date information on their relationship status or by browsing through countless photographs of happy couples. Unplug for a few days instead of exposing yourself to potentially depressing information. Staying away from social media can help you focus on yourself rather than on other people’s relationships.
Get together with your loved ones
Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be about candlelit meals or romantic getaways. A modest meeting with friends and family could be part of your Valentine’s Day celebrations in recovery. Some rehabilitation organisations will even host activities to commemorate such days. Even if you can only meet digitally, not spending the day alone can make your sober Valentine’s Day celebration a lot more enjoyable.
Distracting Yourself
If you’re worried that your first Valentine’s Day in recovery will result in relapse, keep busy. Boredom is a common trigger for relapse in addiction, so remaining at home alone is not a good idea. Instead, start moving and do anything to divert your attention away from negative thoughts or urges.
Although your first Valentine’s Day in recovery may be difficult, it does not have to be tedious or lead to relapse. We want to assist you if you get stuck along the way. To learn more about Serene Rehabilitation Centre’s programs, please contact us @0746 46 02 02.
