Alcohol and celebrations seem to go hand in hand. With so many parties and events, the holiday season is a challenging time for anyone who wants to avoid drinking to excess. Whether you have an alcohol use disorder and have undergone dual diagnosis treatment or prefer to drink in moderation for other reasons, the holidays are tough.
With practice, enjoying the holiday season while maintaining your abstinence or moderation goals is possible. If you can’t control your alcohol intake on your own, you may have a substance use disorder. Call Promises at 844.875.5609 to learn more about your treatment options.
Tips for Controlling Drinking During the Holidays
No matter your health goals, temptations are always around the corner. Controlling your alcohol intake is important for many reasons, especially if you know that you’re at risk of developing an alcohol use disorder. These five tips will help you stay on track through the holidays and beyond.
Practice Saying No
Some people find “No, thank you” to be three of the hardest words to say in the English language. Whether you are a people pleaser by nature or saying no is hard because you actually do want a drink, protecting your sobriety may be easier if you practice. Start by saying no to easy things.
Prepare for the Follow-Up
One of the reasons saying no to alcohol is difficult is because of the inevitable follow-up questions. Keep in mind that you don’t owe anyone an explanation, but if you do feel more comfortable providing an answer, these suggestions might help:
- I’ve got an early work meeting
- I’m driving tonight
- I’m taking medication and can’t have alcohol
- I’m on a strict health regimen
If the host asks for more information, politely change the subject.
Plan on Leaving Early
The longer you stay at a holiday event, the bigger the risk you’ll overindulge. You don’t have to set a hard deadline, but if others are drinking and you can see the event is getting out of hand, feel free to excuse yourself.
Host a Party at Your House
If you’re worried about missing out, host an alcohol-free holiday event of your own. Invite guests to bring their favorite nonalcoholic drinks, or invent a signature mocktail to capture the holiday spirit.
If you’re in recovery, your sober friends will appreciate having a safe, supportive event to attend. Friends and family will be happy to celebrate the season and your new alcohol-free lifestyle.
Put Self-Care First
Taking care of yourself in other ways will help you avoid drinking during the holidays. Make sure you’re eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and spending time outdoors. Socialize with small groups of friends for more meaningful connections.
Signs You Have an Alcohol Use Disorder
Occasionally drinking too much doesn’t mean you have an alcohol addiction, but it could be a warning sign. Be aware of these symptoms of alcohol use disorder and seek treatment as appropriate:
- You lie about your alcohol intake or hide alcohol for personal use
- You’ve lost interest in your favorite activities
- Alcohol is causing stress in your personal and professional relationships
- You’ve tried to quit or cut back on drinking and can’t
- You experience withdrawal symptoms when you don’t drink regularly
- You isolate yourself or don’t go places where you can’t drink
If you spend most of your time thinking about, drinking, or recovering from alcohol, you may have an alcohol use disorder.
Get Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder at Promises Today
Holidays are all about making memories, but if drinking is your priority, you may be making painful memories for yourself and everyone who loves you. Controlling alcohol intake during the holiday season will increase your enjoyment of special events and help you create memories you’re proud of.
Recovery is the best gift you can ever give yourself or your loved ones. If you’re struggling to maintain sobriety during the holidays or any other season, you’re not alone. Call Promises today at 844.875.5609 or use our convenient online contact form to contact a recovery specialist about treatment options.