3 Ways to Avoid Drinking During the Holidays
The holiday season is a time for delicious food and merriment, but it also increases the risk of relapse for individuals struggling with alcoholism. Whether they drink due to the holiday stress, out of peer pressure, or to join in on the festivities, even one glass of an alcoholic beverage can take a toll on their progress and recovery.
So, how can you avoid drinking during the holidays? Here are a few ideas.
Bring Your Own Beverage
If you’re visiting family, going to a party, or attending any other social gathering during the holidays where you suspect alcohol will be served, it’s best to carry along your own non-alcoholic beverage. This way, you won’t feel awkward being the only person not standing with a drink in their hand, or as the only person at the dinner table without a glass next to their plate.
Brining your own beverage will also help avoid somebody thrusting a glass of Champaign in your hands, or offering you a drink (assuming that they don’t know of your abstinence). All you’ve got to do is keep a can of soda or a bottle of lemonade with you, and pop it open once you’re all sitting down for dinner/mingling at the party.
Remember That the Holidays Aren’t About Alcohol
Contrary to popular belief, the holidays aren’t for getting drunk. Think of this time of the year as a chance to connect with your loved ones, take a break from your hectic schedule, and have fun. There’s always something to celebrate, and even if you’re not surrounded by your family and friends or aren’t in that holiday spirit, you can always celebrate your sobriety.
Remember, drinking is always an optional thing during the holidays. It’s not the reason for the holidays. Maybe you’d go to a popular annual party right before the holidays and get drunk with your friends, but that’s not the only way to celebrate.
And that brings us to the next important tip:
Remember Why You Stopped Drinking
In the NBC drama This Is Us, Kevin Pearson stops drinking after his nephew is born. A year later, he gets to (privately) celebrate his one year of sobriety while also attending his nephew’s first birthday, acknowledging how his birth motivated him to quit.
If you find yourself struggling with temptation, think back of what made you stop drinking. There may be a number of reasons that led you toward sobriety. Maybe it was your deteriorating physical or mental health, maybe you saw what it was doing to your family, or maybe you decided it’s time to quit alcohol for another reason. Whatever it was, hold on to it. It’ll help you stay determined and will remind you why you need to steer clear from drinking during the holidays.
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