If you’ve stepped away from treatment, drifted from your program, or quietly stopped showing up—especially in the middle of trying to get sober—you’re not the only one. The truth is, recovery rarely moves in a straight line. And the holidays? They can bring up everything all at once. Family pressure. Emotional triggers. Old habits. Guilt. Memories that don’t sit quietly. That’s a lot—even for someone feeling strong.
If this is your first sober Thanksgiving (or your first one trying again), it’s okay to admit that you’re not looking forward to it. But you don’t have to white-knuckle your way through. Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of relapse and support sustainable sobriety—especially during high-stress seasons.
At Foundations Group Recovery Center in Upper Arlington, we meet people exactly where they are. Even if you’ve left a program before. Even if you’re not sure you can walk back in. We know this road—and we keep the door open.
Why Thanksgiving Is One of the Hardest Holidays in Recovery
There’s a reason Thanksgiving is so triggering. It combines several common relapse factors all at once:
- Unstructured time off work or routine
- Family pressure, tension, or disconnection
- Widespread alcohol use (often normalized)
- Memories of previous holidays spent using
- Internalized guilt about “not being okay yet”
For someone early in recovery, this isn’t just a meal—it’s an emotional minefield.
And if you’ve paused treatment or ghosted your IOP program recently, there may be a sense of added guilt. Like you “should” be further along. But here’s the truth: you’re not too late. You’re not disqualified. Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be a test you pass or fail. With the right support—like MAT—it can simply be a day you get through with your sobriety intact.
What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment, Really?
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) uses FDA-approved medications, alongside therapy and support, to help reduce cravings, ease withdrawal symptoms, and stabilize your body and brain during recovery. It is most commonly used for opioid and alcohol use disorders, but it’s part of a broader approach to building a recovery path that works for you.
There’s no shame in needing medical help to get through the hardest parts. You’re not “cheating” by using MAT. You’re building scaffolding around your recovery—because healing shouldn’t feel like a punishment.
At Foundations Ohio’s Medication-Assisted Treatment program, we personalize care. That means we don’t just write a prescription and send you home—we help you integrate MAT into a recovery plan that actually works in your real life.
Five Ways MAT Can Help You Get Through Thanksgiving Sober
1. Less Craving, More Clarity
Cravings don’t wait for the “right moment” to show up. They tend to spike when you’re tired, triggered, or surrounded by people who don’t get it. MAT can lower the volume on cravings, so your energy can go toward staying present instead of fighting an internal battle.
2. A Reset Without Starting Over
If you ghosted your last program, you might think you have to go all the way back to the beginning. You don’t. MAT can act like a soft re-entry—giving you the medical and emotional support to reconnect with treatment at your own pace.
3. More Sleep, Less Chaos
Medications used in MAT often help stabilize sleep patterns, reduce anxiety, and ease agitation. During chaotic or overstimulating holidays, this kind of physical regulation can be the difference between “barely made it” and “actually okay.”
4. Space From Triggers Without Isolation
One of the hardest things about holiday sobriety is feeling like you have to hide out just to stay safe. MAT can give you enough internal regulation to participate in the parts of Thanksgiving you want—and create boundaries around the parts you don’t.
5. A Way Forward That Doesn’t Rely on Willpower Alone
Sobriety isn’t about being strong enough to say no every time. It’s about building systems that help you not have to say no in the first place. MAT removes some of the biological intensity of addiction, so you’re not constantly white-knuckling your way through each interaction.
You Don’t Have to Explain Where You’ve Been
If you’re reading this and feeling awkward or guilty about leaving treatment—or disappearing from your group—you’re not alone. It happens more than people talk about. Life gets messy. Motivation fades. Shame builds. We start to believe we burned the bridge we walked away from.
But at Foundations Group Recovery Center, we don’t close the door because someone stepped away. We leave it open. We’re still here. Whether it’s been a week or a year since you left, we’ll help you find the next right step.
And if you’re looking for Medication-Assisted Treatment in Franklin County, Ohio, our team in Upper Arlington is ready to talk—without judgment, without pressure.
How to Re-Engage With Treatment (Quietly)
You don’t need a big announcement. You don’t need to show up and explain everything. If you’re curious about starting MAT or returning to a program you left, you can:
- Call or text anonymously to ask questions
- Schedule a low-pressure intake to talk through options
- Start with a MAT consult before committing to a full program
- Join one group, one week—just to see how it feels again
There’s no “right” way to come back. The most important part is that you come back at all.
Quick Tips: How to Make Thanksgiving Less Risky for Your Recovery
Quick Tips for a Sober Holiday with MAT
- Set boundaries before the day begins: Know where your exit points are.
- Bring your own beverage: Something non-alcoholic and comforting.
- Text a recovery contact in advance: Even if it’s someone you haven’t talked to lately.
- Plan a walk, movie, or meeting after dinner: Give yourself something else to anchor to.
- Keep medications with you: Stay consistent with your MAT schedule—even if the day gets hectic.
Frequently Asked Questions About MAT and the Holidays
Is it too late to start MAT before Thanksgiving?
No. While earlier is always better, even starting a few days before the holiday can help reduce cravings and give you more control. Every day of support counts.
Can I still use MAT if I’ve left treatment before?
Absolutely. You don’t need a perfect track record to qualify for support. We welcome clients who have taken time away from care and are ready to return in a way that feels manageable.
Does MAT mean I’m “still addicted”?
No. MAT supports your recovery by helping your body stabilize so you can stay engaged in treatment and life. It’s a recovery tool—not a sign you’re failing.
Will my family judge me for using medication?
Every family is different—but the most important thing is your safety and sobriety. You don’t have to explain your medical care to anyone who hasn’t earned that level of access to your healing process.
How do I know if MAT is right for me?
If cravings feel overwhelming, if withdrawal symptoms are derailing your progress, or if you’re returning to use more often than you want to, MAT may help. We offer confidential consults to explore your options with no obligation.
You’re Allowed to Start Again. Even Now.
Thanksgiving can be hard—even when you’re doing everything right. And if you’ve stepped away from recovery recently, it can feel like you’ve lost your shot. But you haven’t.
At Foundations Group Recovery Center in Upper Arlington, Ohio, we specialize in helping people re-enter care with dignity. No lectures. No shame. Just a hand to hold while you steady yourself again.
Whether you’re looking for Medication-Assisted Treatment in Columbus, Ohio or want to explore your options quietly, we’re here.
Ready to take the next step—on your terms?
Call (888)501-5618 to learn more about our Medication-Assisted Treatment services in Upper Arlington, OH. We’ll meet you where you are—no questions asked.
