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Remaining sober is hard enough to do year round, but especially hard during the holidays when many people celebrate by drinking.
Family gatherings, holiday parties, and other social occasions can be very difficult for someone who is in early recovery. Thoughts of past Christmases or holiday occasions often bring up memories of celebratory drinking, which links drinking during the holidays to having fun in the past.
If this association exists between the holidays and alcohol, then it can be very hard to get used to the idea of a sober holiday season, especially when other people around you are seemingly having a great time celebrating by drinking. Thoughts may creep in, like “maybe I could just have one eggnog,” or “everyone else is celebrating – I should be able to, too.” But the key thing to remember is that you are stronger than these thoughts, and are able to resist the temptation of drinking.
Tips to Stay Sober During the Holidays
- Plan Your Days. Let your sponsor or friend in recovery know where you will be, and have their phone number with you in case you need encouragement.
- Have a Plan B. If you must attend a party or gathering where alcohol is being served, have an escape route or alternative place to go if you suddenly feel uncomfortable around the alcohol, like for a coffee or out to a movie.
- Be Specific When Offered a Drink. Instead of awkwardly telling the person that you’re a recovering alcoholic, just say “Sure, a Coke/Sprite/water with lemon would be great.”
- Outsmart the Disease. Stay connected to sober people, places, and things. Don’t go to places serving alcohol if you don’t need to.
- Take Extra Care of Yourself. Remember to slow down and take some quiet time for yourself during this busy time of year.
- Don’t Overindulge. Go easy on the holiday sweets, exercise regularly, and don’t try to do too much.
- Find New Ways to Celebrate Create some new symbols and rituals that will help redefine a joyful holiday season. You might host a holiday gathering for special recovering friends and/or attend celebrations of your 12 Step group.
If You Aren’t in Recovery Yourself
When you plan your next get-together, don’t forget about your friends who don’t drink alcohol.
Mocktails, simply cocktails without the alcohol, are a delicious and safe alternative to alcoholic beverages and are suitable for partygoers of all ages. Consider having a family-friendly party and provide some fun and festive mocktails for everyone to enjoy. Safe, hangover-free celebrations? We’ll raise a glass of non-alcoholic bubbly to that!
Here you will find recipes for mocktails and bubbly alcohol-free tonics to help you celebrate sober through the holiday season and beyond.
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