After completing the ACT technique, ask yourself if the original belief still holds true for you. Is it serving your well-being, or would it be better to release it? This technique is a powerful tool for unraveling and reevaluating beliefs, offering a pathway to a more conscious and intentional relationship with alcohol. As you delve into this Mocktail Ritual, explore different recipes, and customize them to suit your preferences. The process of crafting these alcohol-free delights can be as enjoyable as sipping the final creation.
- Unfortunately, many people turn to alcohol as a coping mechanism.
- Some people will experience adverse consequences that range from fights to falls to traffic crashes.
- But I have found that now that I’m sober by choice, my friends are not always as supportive.
- This refreshing concoction is like a sip of summer during the winter holidays, a zesty escape that will leave your taste buds dancing.
Holiday Punch Bowl Ice Ring
Whatever supports have helped you so far in your journey, it’s helpful to lean into them leading up to and during holidays. Checking in with an alcohol support group (or just listening) can help you realize that you’re not the only one feeling a certain way. Members and group facilitators get it – holidays can be tough, and we’re here to support one another. You can also check in with your therapist, and make a plan to address any stressors on your mind.
How to support sober loved ones during the holiday season
Forming new traditions that focus on activities rather than drinks can shift the focus from what’s in your glass to what’s happening around you. Lastly, enjoy the festive spirit and the opportunity to create meaningful memories with loved ones during your alcohol-free Christmas party. Your first sober Christmas can be a significant milestone in your journey to recovery.
The Definitive Alcohol-Free Party Guide – Enjoy the Party and Stay Sober
Rebecca is a Virtual Health Coach and the Virtual Health Coach Supervisor at ALAViDA Substance Use, a LifeSpeak Inc. product, and also works in private practice. At Renaissance Recovery our goal is to provide evidence-based treatment to as many individuals as possible. Give us a call today to verify your insurance coverage or to learn more about paying for addiction treatment. If you have guests who may be in recovery, remind them of their commitment to sobriety and encourage responsible choices. Ensure that your guests have safe transportation options to and from the party, especially if it’s held at night.
Giving back to the community and others is a wonderful idea for an alcohol-free holiday. For example, you could volunteer at a nursing home, soup kitchen, food pantry, or holiday toy drive. While not a drink in itself, this festive ice ring adds a special touch to any punch bowl you choose reframing holidays in early recovery to add it to. For a refreshing change of pace, stir up this cranberry cocktail made with cranberry-apple juice, ginger ale, limes, and fresh mint. « Making this at Christmas time will definitely be a new family tradition, » says reviewer Michelle Merolla.
Our culture tends to normalize alcohol, and this is especially true on holidays like Christmas. While you might feel hesitant about celebrating the festivities without a drink in hand, there are many fun ways to spend this time of year sober and healthy. Ultimately, Christmas is about enjoying time with friends and family and making memories you’ll cherish for life, and being sober can help you appreciate the true meaning of the holidays. One of the best benefits of alcohol-free traditions is that you’ll be able to be fully present all season long.
Dr. Tyler Oesterle, who is the medical director at the Mayo Clinic’s Fountain Center, says this unaddressed pressure to drink can result in awkward conversations and even conflict among loved ones. « I felt a huge amount of fear in facing the social scene and all my friends, » says Kim Kearns who has given up alcohol altogether. Many of the people NPR heard from also suggested having a friend, partner or spouse help keep track of drinking behavior. This story comes from Life Kit, NPR’s family of podcasts to help make life better — covering everything from exercise to raising kids to making friends. For more, sign up for the newsletter and follow @NPRLifeKit on Twitter. There are plenty of all-inclusive and alcohol-free resorts you can choose from all around the world.
Build Sober Skills at Gateway Foundation
Closer to home, why not spend an evening cooking your favorite meal? Preparing food and sharing with others is certainly another part of the holiday season that sometimes gets overlooked when you’re focused on alcohol. If you’re in recovery, here are ten ways to celebrate the holidays without alcohol.
- It involves prioritizing sobriety and making conscious choices to avoid substances that can impair judgment and behavior.
- This guide is action-driven, centered on your experience, and fortified with tangible steps on how to drink less this Christmas.
- Giving ourselves permission to leave early can be a huge relief.
- However, if you are struggling with staying away from alcohol during the holiday season, please feel free to contact us for additional support.
I love spending time in the great outdoors, even when the temperature drops. Whether you opt for skiing, sledding, ice skating, or a simple winter walk, there are so many benefits from embracing the outdoors. It can help get your blood pumping, boost happiness chemicals, and keep you busy and distracted from alcohol cravings. Plus, the quiet streets and snowfallen environment create a perfect time for self-reflection and grounding. The most important thing a person can do if they want to stop drinking alcohol is reach out for help or treatment, said Britton.