How to Avoid Alcohol This Holiday Season

From the moment you walk through the door, your cousin Bob tried to shove a beer into your hand, and then there was the toast you dad made during dinner. In many families, alcohol is very much a part of the holiday season. From family dinners to work parties, it seems that alcohol is the one guest that is invited to them all.

If you are recovering from alcohol addiction, the holidays can be very difficult. At Advanced Sober Living, a local alcohol recovery center in Phoenix, AZ, we know how challenging it can be to avoid alcohol during the holidays. That’s why we’ve put together a few tips to help you say no to alcohol this season.

Be prepared

It’s important to stop and think about what challenges you may face when going to an event during the holidays, particularly if this is your first holiday going sober. Be prepared for the questions, and think of a response ahead of time.

Keep your response positive

The “Why aren’t you drinking?” questions are often inevitable. And if people don’t know that you are going sober, answering those questions can be hard, but it’s important to keep your responses positive. You can always tell people the truth, if you are comfortable with that. If not, try something like, “I’m focusing on being healthy and trying to take better care of my body this holiday,” or there’s always the standby “I’m driving” response.

Say no

If people are offering you drinks, it can be hard to say no sometimes, but it’s important that you do so in a way that cannot be argued with. Often, in an effort to be a good host or hostess, people will press you to take a drink, so it’s good to be decisive in your response. If someone offers to get you a drink, say upfront that you would like a soda. Or if someone offers you an alcoholic drink specifically, say “no thank you,” following up with what you would like instead.

Have a support system

Whether your support system is a family member, friend, counselor or sponsor, don’t hesitate to call on them for extra support during the holidays. Invite them to go with you to events that you think may be especially challenging for you and let them know how they can help.

Have an escape plan

If things become too difficult at a certain event, it’s important to have an escape plan. Think of an excuse for leaving ahead of time, talk to your support team to make a plan and be sure that you can leave when you want and are not dependent on someone else for a ride.

The holidays can be difficult, but you have the skills and the strength to enjoy the season without relapsing into old habits. Just follow these tips and, if you need support, don’t hesitate to reach out. At Advanced Sober Living, your local alcohol recovery center in Phoenix, AZ, we’re always willing to lend a listening ear and a helping hand.

Categorised in: Alcohol Recovery Center

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