If you're trying to stay sober, don't let Valentine's Day be an excuse to relapse

Valentine’s Day is known for many things, including romance, chocolates, cards, dinners, champagne and heavy marketing. It's also the first hurdle for many sober individuals once the holidays conclude.

The day can bring about strong emotions due to the expectation that everyone should have someone special on that day; if you don’t, you may be lonely.

It can be challenging to stay sober at any part of the year. But Valentine’s Day brings numerous emotions to the forefront, including guilt, sadness, depression, anxiety and anger. Many of these emotions can trigger a relapse.

Fortunately, there are practical ways and tips to stay sober after the holidays and overcome the hurdle of Valentine’s Day.

Initially, if someone you know is struggling with addiction, it's vital that they reach out for help and intervention. Addictions become progressively worse with time.

Staying sober during Valentine’s Day begins with identifying potential stressors or triggers.

“The day is hyper-focused on love, but this is not necessarily what is bothering most people,” said Michael Leach, of Addicted.org. “However, this triggers other stressors, such as work, family, health issues or financial stressors.”

It's important to recognize these stressors, have a plan to manage them and be in contact with people who can help you manage them effectively.

Secondly, counter the culture of the day and make Valentine’s Day yours. For example, create your own traditions with your children, parents, friends or family members. Use the day as an opportunity to celebrate other forms of love.

Moreover, this aids in helping you acknowledge, recognize and appreciate the connections you do have. This could be family, close friends, recovery support groups or a significant other. Valentine’s Day can be a day to simply appreciate those around you.

Another good tip is to unplug from social media. Social media platforms are sure to show pictures of couples, people confessing love for one another and, in contrast, long diatribes of how people hate the day.

If seeing all of this upsets you or tempts you to relapse, unplug for a couple days. Take time to focus on tasks that promote sobriety.

In addition, it's a good time to stay distracted and do things that make you happy, whether this involves physical activity, hobbies or spending time with friends or family.

Finally, lean out support and have a network in place of people or a group to help you along. A good support system is essential, regardless of the occasion or time of year. Spend time with other sober and single friends or attend a recovery meeting.

Valentine’s Day does not have to be a depressing time that costs you your sobriety. Celebrate your accomplishments and everything you have done to achieve sobriety. Be around others in the same situation who also celebrate their accomplishments.

It's up to you to keep yourself safe and healthy and celebrate the day how you wish. Yet, take the time to recognize your accomplishments and surround yourself with those who matter most.

Marie Garceau is website quality manager at Addicted.org. She has been working in the field of substance use and addiction recovery for more than a decade.

This article originally appeared on MetroWest Daily News: Tips to stay sober after the holidays and ahead of Valentine's Day