The holiday season is a time for joy and connection, but it can also be a period of heightened stress, making it especially challenging for those affected by substance use disorder (SUD). SUD, which includes alcohol and other substances such as opioids, impacts millions of Americans and their families. However, celebrating sober can benefit anyone, not just those in recovery. Howard Center offers resources and support to help individuals and families make the most of the season while prioritizing health and well-being.
Why Celebrate Sober?
For individuals with SUD, staying sober is a vital step in their recovery. However, those without SUD may also find benefits in choosing substance-free celebrations, such as clearer connections with loved ones, reduced risks, and an overall sense of control and wellness during a busy time of year.
Tips for Celebrating Sober:
- Plan Ahead: Anticipate potentially stressful or triggering situations and develop a strategy to navigate them.
- Choose Substance-Free Activities: Spend time with friends and family in settings that focus on connection rather than alcohol or drug use.
- Take Care of Body and Mind: Get enough rest, eat well, and prioritize movement to maintain emotional and physical well-being.
- Have a Support System: Surround yourself with people who support your choice to celebrate sober.
Howard Center Programs for Support:
Note: Many Howard Center locations are closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. Our 24/7/365 First Call for Chittenden County crisis hotline is available at 802-488-7777.
- Pine Street Counseling offers individual and group therapy, education, impaired driver rehabilitation, care coordination, psychiatric consultation, and office-based spoke services including medication for opioid and alcohol use disorder. This program promotes wellness and recovery in all areas and through all phases of a person’s life. Clinicians help clients focus on their strengths and encourage self-care, connections to others and the community, and independence. Walk-in hours M-F: 8:00 – 8:30 a.m. Tel: 802-488-6100.
- Safe Recovery is a safe place for people to come to for support, even if they are currently using substances. Safe Recovery provides harm reduction services including syringe services, low-barrier buprenorphine treatment, fentanyl and xylazine test strips, Narcan kits, and HIV and hepatitis testing. Walk-in hours M-F: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 1 – 5 p.m. Tel: 802-488-6067.
- Chittenden Clinic offers comprehensive outpatient treatment for opioid use disorder, including medications (e.g. methadone and buprenorphine), counseling services, and care coordination. Walk-in appointments M-F for intake start at 7:30 a.m., or call to schedule. Tel: 802-488-6450.
- Northern Vermont Outpatient and Spoke Services provides outpatient substance use and mental health counseling and medication for opioid and alcohol use disorder to residents of Grand Isle and Franklin County. Walk-in hours M-F: 8:15 – 8:45 a.m. Tel: 802-524-7265.
- Substance Use Services Mobile Unit provides treatment for opioid use disorder and other services to rural areas in Grand Isle and Franklin County. The unit operates Monday in St. Albans at Northern Vermont Outpatient and Spoke Services, Tuesday at Swanton Library, and Thursday at Richford Notch Community Building, all from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Call 802-524-7265 for more information.
Support Is Always Available:
Whether you’re in recovery or seeking a healthier way to celebrate, Help is Here. Access our Intake line at 802-488-6000, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. except on December 24, December 25, and January 1. For immediate assistance, our 24/7 First Call for Chittenden County crisis hotline is available at 802-488-7777.
Mental Health Urgent Care (MHUC) offers immediate support for adults facing mental health concerns or distress. MHUC can provide compassionate care and help connect you with ongoing supports and resources. No appointment needed; walk-ins are welcome. Free parking and easy access by public transportation. Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Learn more at howardcenter.org/mhuc.
This holiday season, Howard Center encourages everyone to prioritize their well-being and consider the benefits of a substance-free celebration. For more information, contact pdetzer@howardcenter.org or visit howardcenter.org.
Howard Center helps people and communities thrive by providing supports and services to address mental health, substance use, and developmental needs. To access services, call 802-488-6000.