As this is the holiday season, try to be safe and protect your sobriety.
Plan in advance; decline invitations that you know could be dangerous for you or where alcohol or drugs are readily available.
Plan to attend sober events whenever possible. You can try to meet up with a friend who is also sober.
Don't antagonize people who are drinking – that's their problem. Stay away from those who challenge you – that drunken uncle, the annoying cousin or the relative who has no limits and doesn't respect your limits either.
Do not accept drinks that you have not served or seen being served.
Have an "escape" if you feel uncomfortable. An explanation may be offered to the host for your early departure, but is in no way necessary.
Arrive late and leave early; just showing up at the end of year festivities is enough.
Whenever possible, have your own transport or make a prior arrangement with a driver to leave you in potentially complicated situations.
Another possibility is to use an app driver or a taxi. At the very least, know where and how to access local public transportation.
Other pitfalls of the holiday season, at least for me, are memories of the wreckage of my past.
With free time and all the "Christmas weather", it's easy to dig a well of self-pity. Try not to isolate yourself. Writing a gratitude list can help - for this you can use the notepad on your cell phone, computer or even do it mentally. The important thing is the awareness that we have a lot to be grateful for. And do it.
Many of us have a lot of memories of all the damage we caused when we were using - those memories can hurt even more during the holidays.
We are not an amorphous mass, most people have fun without drinking, cocaine or any mood-altering substance. We can remember what happened the next day when we drank and used and where our fun ended.
If we can do it, then you can too.
Happy 🥳 Holidays and Happy New Year.
(Text based on tips sent in a CA email group by fellow member Rick A.)
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