The holidays are a natural time to gather with friends for all the festivities, parties and get togethers.  We are surrounded by food and drink. Many people can enjoy these things in moderation. However, for those who are on their journey of sobriety, things can be extremely rough. Everywhere you look there is alcohol. It would be less challenging if it weren’t in front of you. Even those these can be tough times, there are many things you can do to take care of yourself, or support a loved one with their sobriety.

Ways to maintain sobriety

Have a sober network

If you have gone to AA, Smart Recovery, or some type of treatment program they have all kinds of tools for you. Reach out to your sponsor if you have one. Can you spend time with your sober friends? It is easier if you are around people who have gone through similar struggles. Perhaps you have friends who just don’t drink. They are also healthy people to hang around.

Create a support network of friends and family

Do you have friends and family members who want to help you through these challenging times? Perhaps they will be sure that there isn’t any alcohol at the event. If there is alcohol, it is best to just stay away from the bar area so you will be less tempted. Having an accountability partner can be very helpful. Perhaps you could call this person if you have the urge to drink. Just feeling that you have a group of safe people and a connection to them can help you maintain your sobriety.

Make a plan for your sobriety

You can control your schedule. Decide which events you will attend. Avoid the ones that may be a greater challenge to your sobriety. Look at your triggers. Are there certain people or places that trigger you? Do they make you anxious?  Avoiding those triggers can be helpful in reducing any temptations.

Have you heard of the acronym HALT? It stands for Hungry, Angry, Lonely and Tired. These tend to be triggers for those struggling with addiction. Have a plan if you get triggered by any of these things.

Set boundaries

You can to say, No, to whatever you want. If someone is pushing you to go to an event or have just 1 drink, listen to your instinct. Does this person have your back? Do you they respect your boundaries? If you tell him or her that you are not drinking and they tell you that 1 won’t hurt anything, they are not respecting your boundaries. Anyone who does would not suggest any type of drink.

Set whatever boundaries you need. You can share them with family and friends. Hopefully they will honor them. Worse case scenario is that you leave the situation. You are your own boss. If the situation becomes too challenging and you need to leave, do so. You don’t need an excuse or need to tell anyone. Honor yourself.

Engage in other activities

Not everything revolves around alcohol. There are all sorts of other activities to engage in. How about a game night or going to the beach? What about baking cookies or having a cookie exchange. There are all sorts of holiday games, board games or cards to play with friends and family. These have nothing to do with alcohol.

Volunteering is another activity that can be helpful. No matter what your struggles are, there is someone who can use your help. You will feel good about yourself afterwards.

Urge surf to maintain sobriety

Urges are just like waves. They can be small or huge. The notion is to ride the wave as most urges will subside after 20 minutes. Thus if you can tell yourself that you need to wait 20 minutes before you can have that drink, you are more likely to be successful. It is much easier to think about waiting 20 minutes than a lifetime.

Practice self-care

What is it that keeps you safe? What lowers your stress? Engage in those activities. For many people spending time in nature or outdoors is helpful. Can you go to the beach, the forest or a walking trail? Is there an activity, hobby or craft you love? Do those things. Perhaps you like to meditate, do yoga, or exercise.

Celebrate your successes with your sobriety

How did you do? If you were able to stay sober, what can you do to celebrate? Each day, each hour or each minute may be a struggle. So whatever length of time you were able to maintain your sobriety congratulate yourself. If it didn’t go as well as you would have liked, what did you learn from the situation? We all know that it is not easy and most people relapse at some point in time.

If you or someone you love struggles with alcohol you are not alone. There are all types of treatment options. Therapy is always one of them. If I can help you out please give me a call at 713-304-6554.

Take care,

Debbie Grammas