The holidays are traditionally a time for fun and celebration. But whether you’re new to sobriety or have decades under your belt this time of year can be a stressful struggle. There’s so much pressure to have a good time that family festivities, get togethers with friends, the company party can be a minefield of triggers. If you feel uncomfortable going to holiday parties, making and sticking to a pre-party plan can help relieve your apprehensions and give you the space to enjoy yourself.
First off, please know that you can choose to say no to holiday invitations. Polite but firm regrets to family or friends are perfectly acceptable. Work parties can be a different story, you may be required to attend. If that’s the case, all the more reason to have your party plan in place.
Pre-party let your sponsor, coach, therapist or friend know when and where you’ll be going. Make sure that your phone is charged before you go and that it has all emergency contact info in case you need support. You can ask someone who knows of and is comfortable with your recovery to go with you. The Buddy System is a great way to create a sense of safety at social gatherings. If you’re not sure if there will be non-alcoholic beverages available, or you feel uncomfortable asking, pick up some soda, seltzer or juice to take with you.
When you get to the party, grab that non-alcoholic beverage and keep it in hand so your fellow revelers are less likely to offer you a drink. If you are offered a drink, all you have to do is say a polite “No, thank you.” No further discussion or explanation is required. If you put your drink down, don’t just grab any red cup you think may be yours when you go to pick it back up. Get a fresh one and if there’s a bartender make sure to watch that they are not adding any alcohol. Also avoid non-alcoholic beer that may be available as a “sober option”. It is not 100% alcohol-free and can be a trigger trap, giving you a false sense that you can switch-up to having the “real thing” without any consequences.
Plan your escape. There is no rule saying you must stay for the duration. Stay for as long as you are comfortable, and when you feel it’s time for you to go, thank your hosts and make a gracious exit. If they prompt you to stay longer remind them how busy everyone’s schedule is this time of year, and that you wanted to make sure to attend their party, and now you have to go. Have your departure transportation planned in advance whether you drive, Uber or use mass transit. That way you can shift seamlessly from leaving the party to going home or to a meeting.
Make Safety 1st your credo for the holiday party season. Maintaining your sobriety while celebrating with co-workers and loved ones can be fun when you plan ahead.
If you, someone you know or someone you work with needs additional support during the holiday season, The Recovery Coach NY provides individual and family coaching, companions & transport, Intervention and emergency services. For more information you can go to our website:
The Recovery Coach NY has years of experience and a vast array of resources that can help those in need find the path to the life they deserve, filled with joy and purpose. We come with an empathetic ear and solution-oriented actions that can begin to bring the relief you and your loved one seek.
You can reach out to Cindy Feinberg, President of The Recovery Coach NY via:
Phone or text: 631-921-4085
Email: recoverycoachcindy@gmail.com
Through her website: www.therecoverycoachny.com
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