Tips on How to Enjoy the Holiday Season Sober

Though celebrating the holidays without alcohol or drugs may sound like a gloomy prospect if you’re still recovering from your addiction, you may be surprised at the many ways you can enjoy the holiday season sober and clean. This is an article by Cathy Crain. Here are a couple of tips to help you enjoy the holidays without drinking alcohol or using drugs:

1. Host a gathering or take someone out for a celebration.
A small gathering with a group of friends who don’t drink or use drugs will help you enjoy the holiday season. If you want to start small, invite someone out for some coffee and conversation.

2. Always bring your recovery support telephone list with you.
If you find yourself having the urge to drink or use, call someone immediately from your support group to help you get over the craving.

3. Consider lining up some AA/NA activities for the holidays.
Helping others is a great way to feel good during the holidays, so you should consider joining some activities your local group has planned over the holiday season. Even just volunteering to answer the phone at the office, help with the dishes, or welcome newcomers to meetings can make you feel great.

4. Skip occasions where you think there would be drinking and using
While you’re still on the road to recovery, it’s much better to avoid rather than to test your endurance. Put your talent to making excuses to good use by declining these invitations where you know you’ll be tempted to drink or use.If you really can’t avoid going to a party where there will be drugs or alcohol, make sure to take someone who’s clean and sober with you.

5. Avoid brooding
There are so many activities you can do – catch up on books you’ve wanted to read, go on walks, write letters, visit your family, go to church, and so on. Do your best to avoid brooding, because it will only lead to thinking about that bottle or drugs.

Remember… take it one day at a time. Yes, you can enjoy the true beauty of the holidays even without drugs or alcohol. Also, don’t forget that you don’t have to go through this alone. You can always turn to someone for help.