Howard Center Offers Resources for Sober Holiday Season
Burlington, VT— The holiday season brings joy, connection, and tradition—but it can also create stress and challenges for those affected by substance use disorder (SUD). SUD, which includes alcohol and other substances such as opioids, affects millions of Americans and their families. However, celebrating sober benefits everyone—not just those in recovery. Howard Center is offering resources and support to help individuals and families enjoy the season while prioritizing health and well-being.
Why Celebrate Sober?
- Recovery Support: For those living with SUD, sobriety is important for recovery and stability.
- Community Wellness: Choosing a substance-free holiday can foster deeper connections with friends and loved ones, reduce health and safety risks, and encourage a greater sense of control and well-being.
Tips for Celebrating Sober:
- Plan Ahead: Anticipate triggers and have a plan to navigate them.
- Choose Substance-Free Activities: Focus on activities that highlight relationships rather than alcohol or drug use. Many activities are advertised as substance-free.
- Prioritize Self-Care: Maintain rest, nutrition, and movement for emotional balance.
- Lean on Support Systems: Surround yourself with people who are supportive and respect your choice to stay sober.
Howard Center Programs and Supports:
- Access and Intake with Multicultural Liaisons: For information about services, assessment, and connection to resources, M-F 8:30 am – 5:00 pm.
- Chittenden Clinic: Comprehensive outpatient opioid treatment, including methadone and buprenorphine. Walk-in M–F, 7:30 am at 75 San Remo Drive, South Burlington, 802-488-6450.
- First Call for Chittenden County: 24/7/365 crisis hotline, 802-488-7777 or 988.
- Mental Health Urgent Care (MHUC): Walk-in mental health care and peer support for adults M–F, 9:00 am–5:00 pm at 1 South Prospect Street, Burlington, 802-488-MHUC (6482).
- Pine Street Counseling: Individual and group therapy, psychiatric care, and medications for opioid use disorder. Walk-in M–F, 8:00 am – 8:30 am at 855 Pine Street, Burlington, 802-488-6100.
- Safe Recovery: Harm reduction services, Narcan® kits, test strips, safe syringes, and connection to services. Walk-in M–F, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm at 45 Clarke Street, Burlington, 802-488-6067.
- Substance Use Mobile Unit: Rural outreach with substance use treatment, care coordination, and harm reduction services. Call 802-524-7265 for schedule.
Holiday Schedule:
First Call for Chittenden County will be available 24/7 throughout the holidays. The other above programs will be closed on December 25 and 26 and January 1 except for Mental Health Urgent Care which will be closed on December 24, 25, and 26 and January 1 and Chittenden Clinic which will be closed on December 25 and January 1.
For more information and resources, visit https://howardcenter.org/celebrate-sober/ or call Access and Intake at 802-488-6000.
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ABOUT HOWARD CENTER: Howard Center has a long and rich history as a trusted provider in the community. With a legacy spanning 160 years, we have been providing progressive, compassionate, high-quality care and support to those in need. Today, we offer an array of exemplary mental health, substance use treatment, and developmental services across the lifespan. As Vermont’s largest social service organization, our 1,300 staff help more than 19,000 people each year in over 60 locations throughout Vermont in collaboration with dozens of community partners. Howard Center’s 24/7/365 crisis service, First Call for Chittenden County, is available to meet the needs of Chittenden County children, adults, and families in crisis by calling 802-488-7777 or 988. www.howardcenter.org. Help is here. A United Way of Northwest Vermont Funded Agency.