My Top Tips for Staying Sober at Christmas.
Are you all set for Christmas? That’s a question we are often asked in the lead up to the festive season. Me, I’m a last minute.com kinda girl, rushing around getting presents, I just love the hustle and bustle of it all. I have a few little rituals I like to do every Christmas; decorations go up early in December (some might say too early!), shopping lists are completed, Christmas cakes are baked, and I always go to town for a few hours Christmas Eve to soak up the atmosphere. These are the things I like to do every year, it’s a habit at this stage.
But what if you are in recovery and the old habits at Christmas no longer support you and your recovery. How can you take care of yourself over Christmas?
It’s natural for family members to be worried about a loved one’s sobriety at Christmas but recovery is in the hands of their loved one. Discussions around relapse prevention should happen well before the holiday period and everyone should be comfortable with what’s decided.
So, if you are in recovery how can you take care of yourself over the holiday period? Here come my top tips
Have a Plan
Have an idea of what you are going to do each day. Spend it with people who support your recovery, you will find out very early on who you can rely on.
Preparation is Crucial
If you are travelling, plan in advance. Bring recovery reading material with you. If you go to fellowship meetings find out if there are meetings where you are going. Bring support contact numbers with you.
Know your Triggers
Stay away from people, places and things that would have triggered alcohol or drug use. Don’t put yourself in harm’s way.

Have a Party Plan.
If you are attending parties have an escape plan. Not everyone may take your recovery seriously and may pressure you to drink/use. They may not realise it’s a life or death situation for you. If you begin to feel uncomfortable know that you have choices and it’s ok to leave. Leave early as alcohol and drug use usually becomes more widespread as the party goes on.
Attend Meetings
If you attend fellowship meetings find out where and when every meeting is on in your locality over the holiday period. That way you know in advance just in case you are finding things difficult.

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