If you have been through rehab you know how difficult it is to stay committed to your sobriety through the holidays. Hopefully these tips can help provide a sober new years. If you are not an addict or do not intend on staying sober for New Years read this anyway. Perhaps it will help you help others.
1. Be the host of your own party. This will allow you to set your own rules about whether alcohol will be consumed and if so how much. By mixing or serving the drinks yourself you can make sure guests do not abuse alcohol. Limiting the amount of alcohol you purchase for guests will limit how much they are able to consume. Put the money you save towards purchasing more food which will help your guests eat more and drink less.
2. Offer to be the designated driver. If you know you have committed to others that you will make sure they get home safely you will be less likely to overindulge.
3. Focus on how great you feel. If you are tempted to get drunk just bring to mind of past times when withdrawal or hangover symptoms got the best of you and you were not able to function the next day.
4. Ask someone to look after you. If you confess or share your goals to remain sober with a friend or family member you will be more likely to accomplish this goal. Asking them to keep an eye on you or reminding you will help you stay more conscious of your choices. If someone you know has a similar goal create a buddy system with them so you can provide support for each other.
5. Eat! If you will eat a larger dinner prior to going to the party you will not feel like consuming a bunch of alcohol. Eating a healthy dinner will also keep you from overeating the high fat and high sugar finger foods often found at parties.
6. Make your party a "family" party. If you invite friends and family and let them know that children are welcome you will be less likely to have a bunch of belligerent drunks at your party. Most people will be more conscious of how much alcohol they consume if children are around or if they know they are going to have to be responsible for the safety of children. Provide all of these guests with the option of games, movies, activities, and other drink options to keep their mind off drinking. Teens will also be less likely to drink alcohol if you can provide them with a party they want to attend with their family.
