For some, staying sober over the holidays is a very big challenge. If you are in a 12 step program or are a recovering alcoholic or are in some other type of addiction rehab, the holidays can be a very stressful time. During the holidays the days are shorter and parties are frequent. Finding things to do that don't involve drinking or drugs may be more difficult than during other times of the year. In this Staying Sober Over the Holidays article we will provide some tips on how to celebrate and enjoy the holidays without compromising all your hard work.
Holidays are a time of fun, family, socialization, and parties. For many this also means drinking. No one wants to miss out on all of this simply because they are afraid that if there is alcohol they will not be able to resist. Finding the plan that works for you will be individual, but hopefully some of the ideas here will give you some good ideas to work with. Depending on the stage of your recovery, how long you have been sober, how easily you are influenced by peers, and how determined you are to stay sober will all play a role in finding the best holiday sobriety plan for yourself.
Throw a Party
If you are worried about attending a party that is serving alcohol, throw your own party. Invite friends, family, neighbors, coworkers, whomever you choose that you know will support you in your addiction recovery. If you are in charge of the party you decide what happens, what type of beverages are served and who is invited. This is especially helpful if you are in the early stages of recovery and are not ready to deal with the social pressures of being around other people that are drinking. If you don't have any close friends or a group of people that are aware of your addiction, plan a party with a local 12 step group. Some of the best party ideas we have found include groups that get all the people from the local AA, Al-Anon, and Alateen groups together and have a meal, games, movie, or whatever else the group decides on. This is a great way to boost your holiday spirit, enjoy an amazing time socializing in a group or even "family" atmosphere that is completely safe. These people all truly understand what you are dealing with and drinking or drugs won't even be an issue.
Don't Avoid the Festivities
For some, it may seem that the only way to get through the holidays sober is to completely avoid all the festivities. While this may seem like the only way to avoid any chance of being offered something that you really don't want to take, if you completely exclude yourself from all social gatherings you will be setting yourself up for depression and loneliness that will only increase your desire for a drink. By keeping yourself active, busy, and healthy, you will be stronger and more able to fight the cravings and have the strength to avoid the temptations when/if they arise. Make sure you get plenty of rest, regular exercise and eat healthy foods. Practicing good health will keep your mind and body strong. Anytime your defenses are down and you get depressed or are too tired, it makes it harder to think clearly and make the best decisions.
Make a Plan
Having a plan ahead of time is key. If you decide to attend a party that you know will be serving alcohol, have a plan for exactly what will happen. Perhaps it involves attending with someone that knows exactly what you are dealing with and will support you and help you get out of any tough situations. Or it may involve talking to the host ahead of time to make sure that other drinks will be available and that you can get ginger ale or cranberry juice or something in place of the alcohol without it being a big deal. If neither of these are options you may just plan to go late and leave early and avoid most of the toasts and activities revolving around alcohol. Having an exact plan of what you will say and sticking to it will keep you from having to decide at the time or come up with an excuse on the spot.
Staying sober over the holidays is really just about making the decision to do it. If you plan ahead of time, carefully choose what events you will and will not attend, keep yourself healthy physically and mentally, you can thoroughly enjoy the holidays and continue, uninterrupted, on your addiction recovery. Sometimes making new friends and joining new social circles is the only way to stay clean. Don't get discouraged, stay positive and step out of your comfort zone a little, often finding new friends isn't as hard as one might think.
