The Holiday season can be a fun time of year. Holidays mean time with family, friends, and plenty of food! For people in recovery, especially early recovery, the Holiday season can be a challenging time of year. You don’t have to hide under a rock until the Holidays are over. You can enjoy your loved ones and festivities without drinking alcohol. Here are some important things to keep in mind when someone offers you that Holiday drink.

You may find it helpful to lay out a specific plan for when someone offers you a drink. You do not have to tell anyone that you are in recovery if you don’t want to. If you are comfortable telling loved ones or coworkers that you are in recovery, go for it. Recovery is something to be proud of and celebrate.

If you do not feel comfortable, that is okay, too. You don’t have to tell everyone about your recovery. You can choose to keep it private between you and your loved ones. If you don’t feel comfortable, there are several things you can do to navigate the awkwardness of being offered a drink.

Try some of these responses:

• I’m watching my health
• I have to get up early, so I am sticking to soda
• I’m driving tonight
• I’m just not in the mood, but I will take some hot chocolate
• Alcohol really interferes with me enjoying all this great food!

If this is your first sober Holiday, being offered alcohol can seem daunting and frightening. Don’t be alarmed because you can make it through this. There are few things to keep in mind as you make your way to your first Holiday party.

First things first. You don’t owe anyone an explanation unless you want to give one. In time, Holidays and responding to people offering you drinks will get easier. Try to remember this point and give yourself a break. Seriously, be easy on yourself.

Next, try to remember that your thoughts are very powerful. If you think that you will fail, the chances of you failing are higher. If you walk into that Holiday party confident, collected, and proud of who you are, you will be able to make it.

Try to take a sober friend to your Holiday events. There is nothing like the support of a recovering friend. If you do need to go alone, have your sponsor, mentor, or sober friend on speed dial. Remember, you can make it and you can enjoy the Holidays without drinking.

The Kimberly Center can help you navigate recovery and make it through the Holidays. Call us now at 855-4-KCENTER. We are committed to putting you and your recovery first. At the Kimberly Center, you are in safe place.