Recovery Gift Ideas for a Loved One During the Holidays

Easily one of the best parts of the holiday season is the chance to give thoughtful gifts to the ones you love. However, as we can all admit, giving a thoughtful gift is easier said than done. Perhaps the trickiest holiday gift to give is the one that you give someone who is going through an alcohol or drug recovery or detox program.

The detox process is a challenging time, especially if they are recovering from a strong dependency on alcohol, opioids, and other highly addictive substances. Going through a treatment program during the holidays can make achieving sobriety even more difficult. Social pressure and celebratory moods can make avoiding drugs and alcohol a heavy task.

Ideally, a recovery gift is something that will not put temptations in someone’s path, but instead encourage your friend or family member to stay on the course of recovery. In order to ensure sustained recovery while still engaging in a happy and safe holiday, we’re sharing the best gifts for recovering addicts.

7 Recovery gift ideas

1. Day spa pass: Around the holidays, just about everyone could use a day at the spa to unwind, relax, and enjoy a deep tissue massage. Why not give your loved one the gift of ultimate relaxation by buying them a day spa pass? The withdrawal symptoms of detox are mentally draining, as well as physically exhausting. It’s common to experience muscle tension and soreness during this phase of recovery. A day at the spa can be a welcome remedy for physical exhaustion and mental stress. Spas may offer relaxing meditations, too.
2. Jewelry: Rings, necklaces, bracelets, watches, and other trinkets are beautiful ways to remind someone that you are there to support them through anything and everything. When they are feeling down on their luck or tired from their fight against dangerous addiction, they can look at the piece of jewelry you gifted them for an instant reminder that they are not alone. Jewelry is a smart recovery gift option also because it is so customizable. You can find a piece to match your loved one’s personal style. Consider looking at shops that will engrave pieces of jewelry with a customized message, so you can add a positive or reaffirming note.
   1. Outdoor equipment: Distraction can actually be a good thing for someone who is going through a detox program because an idle mind may tend towards returning to bad habits. If your loved one enjoys the great outdoors, camping equipment is one of the best gifts for recovering addicts. Make the gift even more special by planning a camping trip in which you can tag along. Together, you can find a greater appreciation for the great outdoors and fight off drug and alcohol temptations.
3. Personalized and sober holiday party: The middle of a holiday party can be one of the least welcoming places for someone who is recovering from substance addiction disorders. Instead of telling your loved one to avoid a holiday party this year, give them a gift of a personalized and sober holiday party. Plan an event that you know they will like, such as one that features their favorite foods, decorations, holiday movies, etc. Offer to host it in a place with no alcohol or recreational drugs. Insist that any guests who arrive are committed to staying sober the entire night, too.
4. Photo album of great memories: For many people who are going through a recovery process, reminiscing on memories of the past can make them feel loved. Gifting a photo book as a recovery gift can help remind your loved one of better times when a substance use disorder had not disrupted their day-to-day lives. Visual reminders can help a person to think back to when he or she had strong relationships with their friends and families and were in full control of their thoughts and emotions. Consider snapshots of vacations, moments with loved ones, great achievements like getting a new car, and so on to fill the album with happy, encouraging memories. Leave a few blank pages at the end to add future memories.
5. Stationery and a journal: Another good way to keep track of favorite memories is to keep a journal or a diary. You can gift a personalized journal and matching stationery set to your loved one. Many people in recovery find that keeping a journal can be as remedial as other forms of therapy and treatments. A journal can be used to record daily emotions, triggers, and other concerns related to recovery and detox. By identifying what is working and what might be tempting them to use drugs or alcohol again, your loved one will be better prepared for the road ahead.
6. Amusement park ticket: It’s not uncommon for a person to begin abusing drugs and alcohol as a form of thrill-seeking. Personalities that enjoy endorphin and adrenaline highs can be especially susceptible to the temptation of a highly addictive drug. A trip to an amusement park with exciting rollercoasters and rides can remind your loved one that there are other ways to get a thrill without risking personal health and wellbeing.

There are dozens of addiction recovery gifts that can have a real impact. While it may feel like you can’t find the perfect gift, the effort you put into making something personal will mean more than you could expect.

Where Else Can You Find Great Gift Ideas?

Are you not certain if any of the gifts for recovering addicts provided on this list are right for your friend or family member? No worries, there are other ways to find personalized and meaningful recovery gifts.

A big part of recovery is creating a support system and a group of loved ones who genuinely want to see that person succeed. You can use that support system now to brainstorm a great holiday gift for that special someone in your life. Consider collaborating with friends, family, coworkers and others to brainstorm solid recovery gift ideas together.

The right addiction recovery gifts will offer encouragement and strength in a sensitive time. The small reminders will show love and support and can be treasured forever.

From everyone at Freedom Detox, we hope you have a merry holiday season as you support your loved one through treatment for drug and alcohol addiction. If you or your loved one needs someone to talk to during this holiday season, call Freedom Detox today.