Staying Sober During the Holidays

The holiday season is a very difficult time for alcoholics and drug addicts. If you are not an alcoholic or drug addict take time to read this so you may be able to be a better support for a loved one who may have challenges you are not aware of.

1. Take care of yourself. No matter how busy, hectic, and stressful things become remember to take some time for yourself. Even if it is just a few minutes to reflect on how good it feels to be sober, or take a relaxing bath, or a nap. Get plenty of rest and do not overindulge in food or sweets.

2. Maintain a schedule. For some people the holidays can be a lonely time with too much time on their hands. Depression can take over and cause them to withdraw or be tempted to use or drink. It is important to plan ahead and schedule out your holiday time so you do not find yourself alone, depressed, doing nothing, and wanting to escape. Make a list of things you would like to accomplish or experience and DO THEM.

3. Rely on a support system. Do not wait for someone to call you. They may be waiting for you to call. This is a great time to attend meetings where you know you will find people who are experiencing some of the same feelings. They need you there as much as you need to be there. It is also a good time to spend time with your clergy, therapist, sponsor, sober friends.

4. Find a new way to party. Through the holidays there are tons of celebrations. It is not difficult to find out in advance if there will be alcohol, drugs, or peer pressure at these parties. If there is a chance you may be affected by this, DON'T GO! There are a million other places you can go. Choose to go places where you know you will have sober friends or friends that support you in your sobriety. IF you choose to go to a party where there will be drinking plan ahead. Know in your mind exactly how you are going to handle any given situation and exactly what you will say or do. Take your own vehicle so you do not risk driving with someone under the influence and you also have an easy out if you need to make an excuse and leave.

5. Focus on sobriety. The holidays are am important time to know where you are in your program and sobriety. If thoughts of using or drinking enter your mind...REFOCUS! Know your life is better and you have become a better person since getting sober.

6. Avoid resentment. The holidays can be a difficult time for anyone carrying resentment. According to rehab statistics and Alcoholics Anonymous resentment is one of the most common factors in failed sobriety. Do not allow someone or something live in your head (rent free). Whenever you have thoughts of resentment release these thoughts immediately and replace them with something else.