Staying Sober During the Holidays

The problem was that https://ecosoberhouse.com/s were against pandemic restrictions. Instead, I gave up booze for the first two and a half months of this year, a kind of extended Dry January holiday-from-my-lifestyle. Again, it was hard at the start, but got easier. I lost 2st, felt better and wondered why I hadn’t done it sooner. Then I missed drinking, took it up again, and have been enjoying the post-Covid 19 hospitality glasnost.

Your well-being is more important than any sober holidays. For many of the reasons mentioned above, the holidays may be an ideal time to access treatment from a substance abuse program. Whether that means entering a rehab facility or attending an outpatient addiction treatment program, there are many support options available.

Keep Your Phone Handy While Socializing

Avoid situations where alcohol is present–especially if you’re feeling depressed or lonely. Focusing on the positives can help you approach holiday events with anticipation instead of anxiety. Plus, an attitude of thankfulness is contagious—it might just make you the life of the party. While there may be significant pressure not to disappoint family members, remember it’s more important to stay sober. Missing a party might mean some relatives aren’t pleased with you, but taking care of your own well-being should be your first priority. Chef Ronnie Woo Embraces Being a Hot MessThe former mental health pro credits 15 years of therapy for helping him through the tough times.

• Use phone meetings if attending face-to-face isn’t a possibility.
• Decide in advance what you are going to say if someone offers you a drink.
• However, if you feel like you’re headed for failure, don’t be ashamed if you need to excuse yourself from the festivities.
• Flights, transfers &/or gratuities are not included, however.

I can enjoy the holidays without a substance use disorder demanding my full attention. This is the time of year to be thankful, and I am thankful that the memories I am making this year will be well remembered and that sober holidays are the new normal. Below, you’ll find all of our best tips and stories about staying sober for the holidays.

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Instead of standing around twiddling your fingers at parties; grab your favorite alcohol-free beverage. Sip a seltzer, ginger ale, Shirley Temple, or mocktail. You might as well enjoy yourself, and it can help alleviate people offering you drinks. “Most people aren’t going to say ‘What are you drinking?

When you think of the holiday, you feel anything but relaxed. The idea sends you into a panic or makes you weary. Her mother-in-law makes hateful comments in Julie’s direction regarding everything from her parenting to her weight. Julie is often criticized for her husband’s mistakes within his family. She’s seen as the reason he drinks and gets in trouble.