holiday cheer

The number of advertisements for liquor, special cocktails, and festive gatherings certainly shine a light on how treacherous the holidays are for people in recovery. Though there aren't ads for cocaine or drugs we know the holidays are an excuse for extra celebrations with those also.

What is a recovering person to do?? How are we to celebrate? Do we feel denied and left out?

I remember my first Christmas in recovery. I had about 9 months of recovery... a neighborhood party, --a tray of champagne looked so festive and inviting. I took a glass and within a month my addiction was off and running.

Confronting those issues and having a plan is essential.  One part of the plan is to avoid the parties. Unfortunately we can feel angry when we can't join friends and family. An alternative to skipping the festivities is to go but with the intention of truly being there to be with those we love---not with the intention of "how much can I drink--or what are they going to have that I can get buzzed on?" Take your own non-alcohol drink if that is possible,

Remember the acronym--HALT--don't get too Hungry-Angry-Lonely-or Tired. Say it to yourself over and over!

Also remember --a SLIP--is when Sobriety-Lost-Its-Priority

These acronyms can seem trite but can be reminders when situations are tight.

Have someone at the gathering be your buddy..someone who knows this might be a difficult gathering for you and will check in with you during the evening.

If you enter the holidays without a plan, it is like going onto the ocean in a raft without supplies. You are doomed to have a shipwreck.

And most importantly, take a few minutes to pray before you leave. Ask God to be with you during the evening or event. Ask Him to remind you He is right there. He wants your happiness to be in the joy of recovery. The joy of recovery is knowing you can maintain this wonderful new feeling of freedom...this never having to feel the guilt and shame of addiction. You have the choice and God promises to be with you. He really does!!

Joy to the World!

Blessings-Penny