It’s getting close to Christmas & New Years, it is a time when alcohol is plentiful and temptation is everywhere.
Please feel free to reach out here in this thread if you are feeling the pressures of this season, if you are struggling to stay clear of alcohol (or your DOC) or if you feel you may stumble.
I personally fear being visited by that ghost of Christmas past - the one that will try to convince you that it is now time to let down your guard and have a good time. I don’t want to listen to that voice.
My brain is literally like a yo-yo, going from one thought to the next … from thinking about drinking to saying no, never again. I am probably not alone in that at this time of year especially, so if you are struggling, don’t struggle alone, reach out , share your thoughts and fears and we will all lean on each other to get through it.
Firstly, know that you don’t HAVE to drink. I don’t know if you’re Irish or just visiting but you don’t have to drink just because you are in Ireland for Christmas.
What are your plans?
Do you have any routine that you can try to stick to while away? Such as exercise etc?
Routine and exercise help me, there are many reasons I don’t drink anymore but the fact that it would interfere with my running is one of those reasons. And running is my go to solution for everything, keeps my head clear and keeps me on track.
Plan! Routine! Damn!
Maybe I’ll take duck tape and wrap my mouth up!
Lol
But in seriousness, I will have to be SUPER SOLID
…and make a project of journal or witnessing, or isolation or or or.
Anyway, I’m on it
I can very much reccomend online recovery meetings of whatever kind works for you. This way I always take my recovery community with me on my trips, stay connected, stay solid.
Here is a link I’ve shared years ago. It has a few tips I used and still use
The blog writer is a woman but her tips can be used by all genders
The holiday season is a challenge for me as well. I know I will pass it sober but I know I will have cravings too. Better be prepared for it.
I’m gonna spend my first Xmas sober in 4 or 5 years, so it’s gonna be interesting. I’m gonna also be alone, so it’s gonna be a real emotional rollercoaster, but I’m not worried, I know I can stay strong and sober despite of upcoming cravings.
My first sober Christmas I was gifted with over a dozen bottles of wine and whiskey by friends and colleagues who didn’t know or care that I was trying to quit alcohol.
I passed all of them on to folk who could safely manage them. What a relief when I gave the last bottle away!!
Sure, you can check in here if you want. By ‘check in’ I simply mean for you to log in to the forum and post something to tell us how you are doing.
There is also another thread where people check in daily (they just go to that thread and post something, generally they number of days sober followed by whatever they wish to say)
