6 Holiday Gifts for People in Recovery

6 Holiday Gifts for People in Recovery

Shopping for someone in addiction recovery can be tricky.

Afterall, what gift says ‘supportive, encouraging, and fun’ at the same time?

Well, we’re here to tell you (or at least, drop some hints). Below, we’ve compiled a list of gifts for people in recovery that won’t end up in the return pile.

Let’s get started.

6 Holiday Gifts for People in Recovery

1. A Shared Experience

6 Holiday Gifts for People in Recovery

Although you can’t wrap an experience up with a neat bow, you can make sure that it is a very special gift for the recipient.

Not only does it allow for quality time and community, but it creates an opportunity for loved ones to try something different, have a good time, and enjoy new experiences.

Another reason this is a great gift for people in recovery? It’s totally personal. Got a thrill-seeker on your hand? Consider sky diving, hot air balloon rides, martial arts classes, or scuba diving lessons.

Got an adventurous or curious soul? A cooking class, book club, concert, show, or seminar could be amazing.

It’s the extra thought that makes the gift so special.

2. Gratitude Journal

Recognizing Transfer Addiction

Much of recovery is focused on self-reflection and improvement, and many find writing and journaling to be a key component.

Find (or custom order) a gratitude journal for your friend, and they’ll have something that is beneficial in their sobriety journey, but also deeply personal.

A journal may not mean something to you, but it will be a great addition to them. Sometimes the simplest gifts are the best gifts for people in recovery.

3. Instrument

Recognizing Transfer Addiction

If money isn’t an option, gifting an instrument definitely is!

This is something that could be fun for someone in sobriety, as it gives them an excuse to learn (and excel) at a new hobby, stay busy, and appreciate more music in their life. Finding healthier ways to spend time is one of the practices that allow for long term sobriety.

If your friend or loved one already plays an instrument, you could even create a custom songbook with all their favorite songs, so they can learn to play the music that makes them happy.

4. Books & Movies

Recognizing Transfer Addiction

If you’ve got favorite books or movies, they would make great gifts for people in recovery. There’s something special about sharing laughter, tears, smiles, and experiences in the form of entertainment.

This doesn’t have to be deep, serious, or thought-provoking (although it can be). Have fun with it!

5. Personalized Items

Recognizing Transfer Addiction

Personalized items make great gifts. The recipient feels seen, cared for, and important – and it’s not a difficult thing to buy.

Maybe you create a photo album full of good memories, a playlist for special moments, or engrave an item they will use daily (a watch, phone case, desk trinket – you can get creative).

The cost of an item doesn’t convey its worth, and intent is so important for people in recovery.

6. Something They Need

Recognizing Transfer Addiction

Okay, so this isn’t as fun as the others options, but sometimes it’s just as necessary.

Choosing to live a sober life is a big decision, and it impacts someone’s life in many different ways.

If you’ve got a friend or family member in recovery, and they are struggling financially with bills, home renovations, car repairs, or the like, this is where you can step in and help.

You don’t have to give them cash, but you can cover the cost of a car inspection, give them a gift card to a local home store, come or offer your services and help with home repairs.

Still Unsure About Your Gift?

Don’t be afraid just to ask what someone wants or needs. The answer might surprise you and take away some of that gift-buying anxiety.

Just remember: the best gift you can give them is to just be there, support their sobriety, and be an encouragement when things get hard.

5 Tips for Staying Sober

Community of friends

If you’re in recovery and looking for that elusive “finish-line” to signify success in sobriety, you’ll be looking for a long time.

Lifelong sobriety isn’t something that can be checked off a to-do list once you’ve reached a certain point. It’s a continuous journey that takes work and commitment – but it’s also extremely rewarding and life-changing!

Think of it like a race with important milestones along the way, constantly taking you toward something bigger and better. While there may be setbacks, you’re always moving forward.

Some legs of this journey may be more challenging than others, so we’ve outlined five of the most the most important tips for staying sober and ensuring continued success in your recovery.

Let’s get started:

5 Tips for Staying Sober

1. Stay Structured

There’s a reason why so many treatment programs implement a strict routine in recovery: it’s proven to help with long-term sobriety success.

If you’re interested in following a similar structure after treatment, you can start by creating a schedule for mealtimes, group sessions, therapy, or external activities. Not only does this decrease idleness and keep you from the temptations of boredom, but it also supports the pursuit of positive thinking and healthy activities.

Living a more structured life doesn’t have to be boring – just make sure that you leave room for fun! The recovery journey is a great time to try something new, like a running club, a recreational sports team, a form of artistic expression, and more.

2. Maintain Moderation

As you add structure to your routine and include new activities, you’ll want to mindful that you practice moderation.

It’s common for recovering addicts to give up substance abuse or drinking while they’re in recovery, then pursue a new (seemingly normal) hobby with the same unhealthy mindset.

The illness of addiction can impact someone’s relationship to exercise, sweets, work, and more. By practicing moderation and mindfulness, you can seek help if or when you see these issues arise.

Being aware of your own progress is one of the most valuable tips for staying sober because every journey undergoes ups and downs.

3. Consistent Accountability

Just because you’ve completed a treatment or recovery program does not mean that you need to approach your sobriety without support.

Whether it’s therapy, group meetings, or relocating to a sober living community, consistent care is great for a number of reasons. In addition to accountability and community, these environments provide encouragement and fellowship from others in similar situations.

4. Find Ways to Serve

One of favorite tips for staying sober? Exploring new ways to serve the community.

When you commit your own time to help others, it can really put things in perspective and give you a new outlook on life. That’s why many treatment programs encourage community service during the recovery process.

Here at Sober Apartment Living, we invite our residents to volunteer with local organizations like St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance every month, and we’ve seen this have a great impact on the participants.

5. Avoid Triggers

During treatment and therapy, professionals can help you identify the triggers in your life, so that you can avoid these in the future.

And despite how it may feel, we want to assure you that there’s no shame in taking additional precautions when it comes to certain people, places, hobbies.

Being able to recognize harmful situations and purposefully evade them for the sake of your mental and physical health is a sign of strength – and one that will be extremely valuable in your sober journey!

Need Additional Tips for Staying Sober?

There are tons of ways that you can stay sober, but each person will be different. Our staff at Sober Apartment Living would be happy to point you in the right direction when it comes to resources and sober living environments in Scottsdale, AZ.

We know that choosing a life of sobriety can be difficult, but it’s also the best decision many people can make. We’re here to support that choice every step of the way.