Staying sober during the holidays can feel overwhelming, especially when traditions, travel, and large gatherings are involved. Thanksgiving often brings family dynamics, old routines, emotional triggers, and environments where alcohol is present. For people in early recovery or those working hard to maintain sobriety, these situations can create added stress. The good news is that there are ways to prepare so you can enjoy the holiday without putting your recovery at risk.
Discover our practical tips for staying sober on Thanksgiving, along with ideas for fun, sober-friendly activities around Atlanta and beyond. With the right mindset, support, and planning, you can protect your sobriety, reduce stress, and create a holiday that actually feels good. Sobriety does not mean missing out. It simply means celebrating in a way that supports your health, your goals, and your peace.
Sober Tips for Thanksgiving
The holiday season can be challenging for many people in recovery. Traveling back home, spending extended time with family, seeing old friends, or being in environments where drinking is common can all serve as triggers. You may also encounter emotional stressors, unresolved family dynamics, or feelings of nostalgia that make cravings stronger. These triggers are normal, but it is important to plan ahead so you feel supported.
Many holiday gatherings include alcohol, and even well-meaning relatives may not fully understand your recovery journey. This can make it difficult to stay on track unless you prepare for possible triggers and create a plan for how to respond. Our sober Thanksgiving tips below are designed to help you navigate the holiday confidently and safely.
1. Update Your Relapse Prevention Plan
If you have been through treatment at Empowered Recovery Center or another facility, you likely created a relapse prevention plan. This plan usually outlines your triggers, coping skills, emergency contacts, cravings-management strategies, and steps to take if you feel overwhelmed. As Thanksgiving approaches, it is helpful to review your plan and update it with any holiday-specific situations you might encounter.
Holiday triggers can look different compared to everyday ones. You may need to add specific coping strategies for family gatherings, travel stress, social situations, or alcohol-centered events. Adjusting your plan to include holiday expectations can give you more confidence and stability on Thanksgiving Day.
If you do not have a relapse prevention plan yet, now is an excellent time to create one. Keep your updated plan somewhere accessible, like in your phone or a small pocket notebook, so you can reference it whenever you need support during the holiday.
2. Attend Therapy & Support Groups
Making time for therapy or attending recovery support groups during the holiday season is a powerful way to reinforce your sobriety. A therapist can help you process stress, manage triggers, and prepare emotionally for situations you may find challenging. Support groups like AA, NA, SMART Recovery, and others can also provide accountability and connection during a time when loneliness or pressure can feel heavy.
If you are traveling for Thanksgiving, remember that virtual sessions and online meetings are widely available. Many people attend online groups while staying with family or traveling out of town so they can stay connected to their recovery community. Whether in person or virtual, continuing therapy and group meetings during the holiday week gives you a consistent source of support when you need it most.
3. Bring a Sober Ally
Bringing a sober friend or trusted family member to Thanksgiving gatherings can make a significant difference. A sober ally is someone who understands your recovery and is committed to supporting your goals. They can give you extra accountability and support, help redirect conversations, or even encourage you to leave early if things become overwhelming.
Your sober ally does not need to be in recovery themselves. They just need to respect your sobriety and avoid pushing alcohol or triggering situations. Having someone by your side can make the holiday feel less intimidating and more enjoyable. If you’re both in recovery, you can also attend each other’s events so you both get some help this Thanksgiving holiday.
4. Practice Saying “No” to Drinks
Because alcohol is common during Thanksgiving, it helps to rehearse a few ways to decline a drink confidently. When you practice your responses ahead of time, you are less likely to feel caught off guard or pressured in the moment. Remember, you do not owe anyone an explanation for choosing sobriety. A simple and firm response is enough.
Here are examples you can use:
- No thanks, I am not drinking.
- No thank you, I am driving tonight.
- No thanks, I am sticking with water.
- No thanks, I already have a drink.
- I am good for now, but thank you.
If someone continues to push, you can stand firm. No is a complete sentence. You are allowed to walk away or change the subject if needed.
5. Bring Your Own Non-Alcoholic Drinks
One of the easiest ways to avoid unwanted drink offers is to bring your own non-alcoholic beverages. Whether you enjoy sparkling water, fruit juice, sodas, mocktails, or warm drinks like apple cider and tea, bringing your favorites ensures you always have something in hand. This reduces the chances of someone offering you alcohol and helps you feel more comfortable during the event.
Some people choose to bring non-alcoholic beer or wine, but be mindful that certain NA beverages can still contain trace amounts of alcohol. If that is a concern for you, opt for drinks with no alcohol content at all. Having your own beverages also lets you create your own festive experience while staying safe and sober.
6. Remind Yourself Why You’re Sober
When you feel stressed, nostalgic, or overwhelmed, it can be tempting to slip back into old habits. That is why it is so important to remind yourself why you chose sobriety. Your relapse prevention plan may include a section dedicated to your personal motivations, but if you have not written them down yet, this is the perfect time to start.
Create a list of the reasons why you are committed to staying sober this Thanksgiving and what sobriety has allowed you to regain—whether it is your health, relationships, stability, or some other reason. Keep this list easily accessible so you can glance at it whenever you feel triggered. Having a physical reminder of your purpose can help you stay grounded when holiday stress appears.
7. Begin Your Days with Intention
Starting each day during the holiday week with intention can have a powerful impact on your recovery. Journaling is a helpful tool that allows you to set goals for the day, practice gratitude, and reflect on your emotional needs. Writing out your intentions can help you stay centered and reduce stress.
Meditation is also beneficial for regulating your emotions and reducing anxiety. Even a few minutes in the morning can help calm your mind before the holiday activities begin. You can also support your mental well-being by sticking to a simple daily routine that includes movement like stretching, yoga, or a walk around the neighborhood. Combining mindful habits with structure can keep you grounded through the Thanksgiving holiday chaos.
8. Have an Exit Plan or Strategy
Sometimes Thanksgiving gatherings can become overwhelming, and that is okay. It is important to have a clear plan for leaving early if the environment begins to affect your sobriety. Part of your exit strategy may include arranging your own transportation so you can leave at any time, familiarizing yourself with rideshare availability, or coordinating with your sober ally.
You can also prepare a few simple reasons to excuse yourself, such as needing to wake up early, having another event to attend, needing to check on your pet, or not feeling well. There is no need to over-explain. Planning ahead reduces anxiety and gives you a sense of control, which is essential for protecting your recovery.
Sober Thanksgiving Activities in Atlanta
If holiday gatherings feel too stressful or risky this year, there are plenty of alternative ways to enjoy Thanksgiving in a sober and meaningful way. Atlanta offers a variety of fun events, outdoor activities, and family-friendly attractions that do not center around alcohol. These options allow you to stay connected, make memories, and enjoy the holiday season without compromising your sobriety.
Below are some sober-friendly ideas that can help you celebrate Thanksgiving in a way that feels fulfilling, peaceful, and aligned with your recovery goals.
1. Plan Your Own Sober Thanksgiving Gathering
If traditional family events feel triggering, consider hosting your own sober Thanksgiving. When you are in control of the environment, you can decide who attends, what food is served, and what the overall atmosphere feels like. Hosting also ensures there is no alcohol or other substances present, which can significantly reduce stress for anyone in early recovery.
You can make your gathering fun by incorporating group activities like trivia, card games, a potluck-style meal, or a themed movie night. Guests can bring their favorite non-alcoholic drinks, and you can create a cozy atmosphere with fall decorations, music, or a gratitude-sharing activity. A sober Thanksgiving gathering can be a refreshing way to celebrate without pressure or temptation.
2. Participate in Atlanta’s Thanksgiving Day Marathon
For those who enjoy physical activity, the Atlanta Thanksgiving Half Marathon, 5K, Mile, and Dash is a great way to start the day. The event takes place on Thanksgiving morning, offering a fun and energizing way to celebrate the holiday. Exercise is an excellent coping tool during recovery, and the excitement of a community race can boost your mood and motivation.
With different race lengths available, there is an option for everyone regardless of fitness level. Whether you run the Thanksgiving half marathon or take part in the 5K, participating can give you a sense of accomplishment that sets a positive tone for the rest of the day.
3. Thanksgiving: Stories of Gratitude & Discovery
This unique Atlanta experience allows participants to explore the city through interactive, story-driven adventures. Using the Story City app, you can select from immersive journeys through areas like Little Five Points, Piedmont Park, or local recreation centers. Each story is designed to celebrate gratitude, creativity, and community.
Activities include jazz adventures, public art exploration, and whimsical storytelling experiences with the Atlanta Magical Exploration Society. The event runs from November 27 through December 1 and provides a fun, alcohol-free way to enjoy time with friends or family after your Thanksgiving meal.
4. Garden Lights, Holiday Nights
The Atlanta Botanical Garden hosts one of the city’s most beloved holiday traditions with Garden Lights, Holiday Nights. This breathtaking event runs from November 18, 2025, through January 11, 2026. Visitors can walk through dazzling light displays, choreographed music shows, and stunning illuminated sculptures.
This event is family friendly and does not revolve around alcohol, making it a peaceful option for anyone in recovery. Whether you go with friends, a partner, or family members, spending the evening among the lights can be a beautiful way to stay in the holiday spirit without attending alcohol-focused events.
5. Volunteer or Give Back to the Community
Thanksgiving is also an ideal time to give back. Volunteering can help you stay connected, reduce isolation, and bring a sense of purpose that strengthens your recovery. Many organizations in Atlanta welcome volunteers for meal preparation, food distribution, or community outreach on and around Thanksgiving.
Consider participating with local services and charities such as:
- Atlanta Community Food Bank
- Hosea Helps
- Action Ministries
- Meals on Wheels Atlanta
Volunteering is not only fulfilling but also provides healthy structure and community engagement during a time when cravings or loneliness may be stronger.
Addiction Recovery and Support in Atlanta
At Empowered Recovery Center in Atlanta, we understand that holidays like Thanksgiving can bring up challenges, emotions, and unexpected triggers. That’s why we work closely with every patient to create a personalized relapse prevention plan and provide one full year of recovery support after treatment graduation. You never have to navigate the holiday season alone.
If you or a loved one is considering treatment, our admissions team can help you understand the rehab admissions process, guide you through payment options, explain how insurance coverage for rehab works, and help you verify your benefits.
We offer several rehab programs in Atlanta designed to meet each person where they are in their recovery journey. Whether you have recently relapsed, are newly sober, or want structured support before the holidays, our Atlanta drug and alcohol rehab is here to help.
If you want support before Thanksgiving or are ready to begin treatment, contact us today.
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