Episode - 149 Getting Through the Holidays Sober
Episode - 149 Getting Through the Holidays Sober

Recovery Is Possible

The Holiday Season is difficult for many people, but especially for those in recovery. How do you get through the season without a relapse? In this episode I discuss ways tools you can use to get through the holidays with your recovery intact. This e...

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21:52•5 Dec 2023

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About this podcast

Recovery Is Possible

Michael Van Meter

Michael has seen first-hand the devastating effects of addiction on the public, his profession, and himself. Michael began his career as a helicopter pilot in the U.S. Navy. After eight years, he became a Corrections Officer, Washington DC Police Officer, and then FBI Agent. In 2010, Michael became an instructor at the FBI Academy. In 2013, he created a course titled “Leading At-Risk Employees” geared toward Police Executives to help them understand alcoholism, prescription drug abuse, PTSD, suicide, and domestic violence as it relates to policies and procedures for their agencies worldwide. In 2019, Michael retired from the FBI but his passion for helping others continued. In August 2022, he graduated with a Master’s in Addiction Counseling: Integrated Recovery for Co-Occurring Disorders from the Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School of Addiction Studies. He currently works full-time as a Behavioral Health Therapist at a large nonprofit hospital. Pulling from his personal and professional experience, Michael shares his thoughts on this sensitive, complex, and controversial subject.

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Staying Sober Through the Holidays: Tips from a Recovery Pro

Episode Overview

Understanding the battle between the mind and the body in addiction
Having a plan when attending family events or social gatherings
Focusing on the 24-hour approach and avoiding triggers
Staying connected to the recovery program
Practical advice for navigating the holiday season in recovery

“Your body doesn't know what day of the year it is. It is your mind that tells your body that today is different than the other day. But those of you that have been around recovery for a while know that that's not how we look at life. The way that we look at life is 24 hours a day. I look at today. It doesn't matter if it's a Saturday or a Monday. It is the same to my body. Today is a 24 hour period. That is what I, how I look at it. And I just get through today sober.”

The holiday season is a tough time for many, especially those on the journey to sobriety. In this episode of 'Recovery is Possible', Michael Van Meter dives into practical tips and strategies to help you stay sober during the festive season. Michael, drawing from his extensive experience as a former FBI agent and current Behavioral Health Therapist, knows firsthand the challenges that come with the holidays.

He shares his wisdom on how to manage the battle between your mind and body when it comes to addiction. With an emphasis on having a solid plan for family gatherings and social events, Michael offers a refreshing perspective on staying connected to your recovery program. By focusing on a 24-hour approach and identifying potential triggers, he provides actionable advice to help you navigate this tricky time of year.

Whether you're in recovery yourself or supporting someone who is, this episode is packed with valuable insights to keep you grounded and sober through the holidays.

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