A dictionary definition of tradition is the passing of an inherited, established or customary pattern of thought, action, or behaviour.
This can be at the level of an entire society, but it can also be among smaller social groups, families and even friendship groups. You can also start and carry out your own personal traditions.
Some aspects of tradition can be challenging, but traditions can also be a source of comfort, stability and joy. Traditions can be particularly important for people in recovery, who often need that sense of stability and a sense of connection to the people around them.
Why Traditions Matter in Recovery
Human beings are social creatures who thrive best with a level of stability and routine. Researchers have found that having a routine can have far-reaching psychological benefits for everyone. It can bring mental health benefits and help to alleviate a number of conditions and psychological issues, from insomnia to ADHD and even bipolar disorder.
Traditions can be a little different to daily routines, but they can certainly overlap, making an effort to get together to eat dinner with family or partners can be both part of a regular routine and a family tradition. Even traditions that don’t occur very often (such as the way you celebrate Christmas or other holidays) can be part of a routine that brings a sense of stability and connection.
This can be particularly important for people in recovery. This can be a very challenging and confusing period, and most people in recovery benefit from having structure and routine in their new life. For many people, their life under substance misuse will have been accompanied by a chaotic lifestyle, lack of structure and neglected responsibilities.
Traditions in recovery can also be a great way to create positive memories and celebrate milestones in sobriety.
How Traditions Can Support Sobriety
Traditions can help to support recovery and sobriety in a number of different ways. As well as providing an element of routine and predictability, traditions can provide a healthy distraction from triggers or cravings. In this way they can serve a similar role as taking up new activities or hobbies or discovering old ones.
Traditions can strengthen relationships and encourage positive social interactions. Having a positive support network can be very important when times get challenging as they are likely to do at various points of recovery. Sharing traditions can also help rebuild some relationships with family members, friends or loved ones that might have been damaged during periods of substance misuse.
Establishing traditions to celebrate sobriety milestones can also be a good source of motivation and reinforce recovery goals.
Creating New Traditions in Sobriety
When it comes to sobriety and traditions, you can use existing traditions, but there’s nothing stopping you from creating your own. These could involve things that reinforce your recovery and new healthy lifestyle, such as:
- Hosting a regular celebration or quiet gathering to mark the anniversary of your sobriety
- Volunteering during the holidays or special occasions
- Starting a mindfulness routine
- Going for a regular walk with loved ones
- Starting a game night when you might have otherwise been drinking
There are no rules about what does or doesn’t count as a tradition, and personalised traditions can reflect your own values, interests and recovery journey.
Adapting Existing Traditions to Support Recovery
For most people, recovery will involve a big change in lifestyle, but that doesn’t mean that you have to completely ditch existing or old traditions, or entirely invent all new ones.
Familiar traditions can be very valuable, although you might have to adapt them in recovery. This may particularly be the case if the traditions involve drinking or other triggering activities.
Some things you can try to help make these traditions more recovery-friendly could include:
- Introducing non-alcoholic alternatives to celebratory drinks
- Shifting focus from partying to meaningful activities like family dinners or creative projects
- Discussing boundaries with loved ones ahead of time to ensure events are supportive of sobriety
Some people in recovery find strength and meaning in helping others, particularly at Christmas or other times of celebration. This could involve volunteering at a food bank or kitchen, fundraising for charities or other similar activities.
The Role of Family and Community in Traditions
While you can start and maintain your own personal traditions to mark or reinforce your sobriety, many traditions are better when shared with family, friends and other loved ones. This can include shared celebrations like birthdays and holidays, as well as new traditions you start during recovery.
There can also be a role for recovery-focused communities, such as support groups. These may include regular meet-ups, celebrations and marking of recovery milestones such as months and years of sobriety.
You might also have heard of the Twelve Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA). These are a different kind of tradition and provide guidelines for relationships between the groups, members, the global fellowships and society at large.
Alcoholics Anonymous, for example, includes Traditions such as:
- The only requirement for A.A. membership is a desire to stop drinking
- Every A.A. group ought to be fully self-supporting, declining outside contributions
- Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our traditions, ever reminding us to place principles before personalities
Honouring Cultural and Personal Traditions in Recovery
Cultural or spiritual traditions can also offer comfort and guidance to some individuals during the recovery process. These may be religious in nature, but they certainly don’t have to be. Reconnecting with meaningful aspects of heritage or personal beliefs can be a great source of strength, whatever form they take.
Start Your Sober Traditions Today
Traditions can provide moments of joy, reflection and gratitude, helping to heal emotional wounds from the past. They can also provide some of the stability and social connections that can help many people maintain their recovery.
If you’re ready to start your own recovery journey and to start your own sober traditions, get in touch today to find out how Cassiobury Court can help.
