Shepherd's Gate
Shepherd's Gate
Recovery Holiday Survival Kit
Recovery Holiday Survival Kit
Recovery Holiday Survival Kit
Wednesday 26th November 2025
Explore strategies for maintaining sobriety during the festive season with Carol and Jen's Recovery Holiday Survival Kit.
21 minutes
Inspiring
Informative
Supportive
Hopeful
Encouraging
About this podcast
Author:
Shepherd's Gate
Overview:
Categories:
Empowering Recovery Journeys
Sobriety Success Stories
Entrepreneurship for Personal Growth
Healing from Sexual Trauma
Creative Recovery Journeys
Links:
Visit site
Episodes:
52 (View all)
Do you want to link to this podcast?
Get the buttons here!Surviving the Holidays: Sobriety Toolkit Unpacked
Episode Overview
- Have an exit strategy for gatherings to maintain control.
- Use the HALT acronym to identify emotional triggers.
- Play the tape forward to avoid impulsive decisions.
- Keep a non-alcoholic drink in hand as a shield.
- Lean on faith and prayer for strength during challenging times.
"Never go in without a way out is what they say."
How do people cope with the challenges of staying sober during the holiday season? This episode of the Diary of an Overcomer Podcast, hosted by Carol and Jen, dives into the 'Recovery Holiday Survival Kit', a toolkit designed to help those in recovery maintain their sobriety amidst the festive chaos. With over 45 years of experience in the non-profit addiction recovery arena, Carol and Jen offer practical advice gathered from addiction specialists, recovery literature, and their own experiences.
The episode highlights the importance of having an exit strategy for gatherings, the concept of a 'bookend friend' for accountability, and the HALT acronym to assess emotional triggers. The hosts also discuss the power of 'playing the tape forward', a mental tool to combat nostalgia and impulsive decisions. They encourage listeners to keep a non-alcoholic drink in hand and remind them that saying 'no' requires no explanation.
Moreover, they emphasise the spiritual aspect of recovery, urging individuals to lean on their faith and use prayer as a tool for strength. The episode also touches on how allies can create safer spaces for those in recovery by offering non-alcoholic options and respecting their boundaries. With heartfelt encouragement, Carol and Jen remind listeners that they are not alone and that help is available 24/7 through helplines and marathon meetings.
So, what are your strategies for staying sober during the holidays?