Follow these five tips to help you enjoy the holidays without sacrificing the time and dedication you’ve invested in your sobriety.
It’s that wonderful time of the year when we gather together to celebrate the holidays and look back on all we’ve accomplished this year. As the festivities ramp up, it’s common for some to engage in excessive behaviours, such as spending, eating, and yes, drinking.
It can be challenging to maintain your sobriety – especially if you’re early in your recovery – when you’re surrounded by relatives, friends, and coworkers who are indulging in the holiday spirit. So, it’s best to have a relapse prevention plan in place to maintain your sobriety.
Follow these five tips to help you enjoy the holidays without sacrificing the time and dedication you’ve invested in your sobriety:
1. Rehearse: What will you say if you’re at an office holiday party and a coworker, or even your boss, offers you an alcoholic drink? You can rehearse polite yet firm responses that will let those around you know that you aren’t interested in drinking, such as “No, thanks. I’m driving” or “Thank you but I already have a drink.” Once you rehearse a reply that comes naturally, you won’t be caught off guard and succumb to what you might interpret as social pressure.
2. Substitute: Choose an alternative to alcoholic drinks by opting for a healthier beverage, like plain egg nog at Christmas or sparkling apple juice to toast on New Year’s Eve. In case the host of the holiday party hasn’t accommodated sober guests, you can always bring your own soda, water, non-alcoholic beer, or mocktail to be proactive.
3. Plan Your Exit: Be prepared to leave the holiday party early if you notice other guests are becoming increasingly intoxicated as to avoid being subject to unnecessary temptations. If possible, arrange your own transportation so you don’t have to rely on someone else who might not be ready to leave when you are.
4. Socialize with Sober People: Although it may feel like it sometimes, chances are you’re not the only sober person in the room. Rather than risk trying to fit in with people who are drinking, find someone who values their sobriety as much as you do. That way, you won’t feel out of place and will have the opportunity to enjoy a pleasant conversation with a like-minded person. Also, it can help to have someone you can contact for additional support if you’re feeling tempted.
5. Be Proud: Don’t be embarrassed to tell people that you’re sober; sobriety is a point of pride, not shame. In recent years, society has begun to see the value in living a sober life and praises people for prioritizing their mental, emotional, and physical health. So, when someone asks, “Can I get you a beer or glass of wine?” You can confidently and proudly say, “No, thank you. I’m sober.”
Remember that even though you have the power to stay sober this holiday season, you don’t have to do it alone. Consider getting the support of a community, guided by a qualified counsellor, by joining our online relapse prevention group, Persevere: https://ravensview.com/resources/program-alumni/therapyhome/
From all of us at Ravensview, we wish you the happiest of holidays and the very best in 2025!
