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The holiday season is a festive time, full of family, friends, parties and often, alcoholic beverages. If you’re on the path to sobriety, there are several ways to maintain your alcohol abstinence during the holidays, including working with your drug and alcohol counselor. Utilize the following four methods to stay sober this holiday season while you’re in recovery.

How to Maintain Your Sobriety During the Holidays

1. Prepare Ahead of Time

If you have plans to attend a party that will be serving alcohol, it’s a good idea to come up with a plan if you get stuck in a tight situation. Often, holiday parties are filled with toasts, which require the distribution of alcoholic beverages. If you’re not ready to disclose your recovery status, consider excusing yourself to the bathroom or tell the host you don’t want to partake in the toast. 

2. Bring Your Own Beverage

drug and alcohol counselorAnother simple way to avoid drinking during a gathering is by bringing your own drink. If you already have a beverage, people will less likely offer you one or ask why you’re not drinking something during the party. 

3. Recognize Tempting Situations

If you have a group of friends who you know can tempt you to drink alcohol, avoid making plans with them until you feel confident. If there is a local spot—bar or restaurant—that ignites temptation, avoid scheduling meetings at those locations. Instead, choose establishments that you know offer an array of non-alcoholic beverages or no alcohol at all. Talk to your drug and alcohol counselor about which people or places are temptations and how you can work to resolve this.   

4. Be Gentle With Yourself

Alcohol is an addictive substance, which can make it difficult to give up. If you’re tempted to drink, talk with your drug and alcohol counselor immediately. Just because you made a mistake doesn’t mean you can’t recover from it. Working with your counselor will help you recognize why your body sought alcohol and what you can do to continue on the path of sobriety. 

 

 

If you’re on the path to sobriety, the professionals at White Spruce Counseling in Monroe County, NY, can help encourage you to stay on that path by providing healthy and effective resources. With drug and alcohol counselors on staff, this facility provides personalized and compassionate care to help you improve your response to addiction. To learn more about their drug and alcohol addiction program, visit their website or call (585) 424-2436.

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