Alcoholism And The Holiday Survival Guide
Holidays happen most every month, if not national ones, than personal ones like birthdays, job-related celebrations, anniversaries, and birthdays. These are all events where alcohol may be a part of the scene and a temptation to the person trying to manage the disease, alcoholism. This is an especially trying time of year for someone struggling with alcohol dependency, because alcohol is a traditionally expected part of some celebrations. Where that fact may have been a happy one while partaking of alcoholic drinks; as someone who cannot partake, it can be a nightmare.
Here are some tips that may help to guide you safely through these events and allow you to celebrate them with a minimal amount of anxiety.
Tip #1
Plan to stay sober. You must put some thought into this plan. This plan should include several key parts.
1. An escape plan for if the temptation becomes too great to resist and you need to leave the celebration quickly. A confident and non-drinking buddy is important to have along with you.
2. When accepting the invitation to the celebration assure the host/hostess that you will attend for a short while.
3. Drink non-alcoholic beverages and be sure you trust the person giving you the drink, better yet make your own drink if possible.
4. Now is the time to attend your support group(s) more often, not less.
5. Stay knowledgeable about your disease, including the addictive part of it. Don't be fooled into thinking that because you have gone through treatment that the pull will lessen. You must always be aware and on guard.
6. Surround yourself with non-drinking friends and acquaintances whenever possible. Avoid the temptation. Non-alcoholic celebrations can be just as jovial.
7. Seek help through prayer or mediation to gather inner strength.
8. If date/partner/spouse is a drinker (not wise, but sometimes unavoidable) then insist on driving by yourself to the party and meet them there. This way if they start to drink and have a good time and you need to leave, you can.
9. Always remember that you have a disease that can be fatal if not managed properly, that glass or bottle of alcohol is so not worth it!
10. Keep loved ones or your sponsor close to you during holidays and any other trying times. Make sure you surround yourself with those who understand your treatment program enough to remind you about your plan or steps, even if doing so normally irritates you. You will be glad during the holidays to have this extra support. Keeping in mind also, that ultimately sobriety is a personal responsibility.
11. Stay active and involved in holiday activities that your support group will be having to assist you in surviving the holidays.
Understand that your first holiday season (Thanksgiving through New Year's) sober, will be your toughest and you really need to have a huge arsenal of support lined up and a iron-clad plan, before they begin. Get assistance making your plan from your doctor, treatment facilitator, sponsor, support group, best friend, or relative.
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