Tips for staying sober during the holiday season
Staying sober is a year-round challenge, and it gets even harder during the holiday season. But there are ways to make it easier to stay on track, according to Ellen Carty, a family, pediatric and psychiatric nurse practitioner at Cape Cod Hospital.
“Oftentimes our culture dictates that alcohol is a part of our celebration,” she said. “During the holiday times, there's a 25 to 35 percent increase in alcohol consumption compared to other times of the year, which is not surprising given that people like to celebrate with coworkers, family and friends. There can be a lot of social pressure, and it’s almost like it gives you permission to drink. Sometimes people are tempted to drink because they’re lonely or they’ve had losses during the holiday season.
“We want to engage in the holidays as we remember them as kids when things were most celebratory, which can make the process of staying sober a lot of work. It’s a very conscious sort of work.”
Sobriety Strategies
If you’re trying to maintain sobriety, here are some things to keep in mind year-round and especially during the holiday season.
Be choosy about where you go.
“If some friends are getting together, ask if it has to be a drinking party,” said Carty.
“Could it be something that could include non-alcoholic beverages? Could it be a bowling party or a Christmas carol party? If you’re invited to multiple events, think about which one is the most comfortable for you and say no to some of the others.”
It's OK to say ‘no.’
“Authentic yesses and authentic nos are an important way to take care of yourself. If you say, ‘thank you, but no,’ people should respect that. Maybe you feel comfortable telling a little white lie, like, ‘I’m taking a medication, and I’m concerned about a drug effect’ or ‘This is the time of year where I’m starting my cleanse, and I want to be alcohol-free.”
Bring your own beverages.
“(Try something like) bringing your own cranberry seltzer in a beautiful glass and throwing in a twist. It makes it look like you’re drinking something exotic. And most restaurants have non-alcoholic cocktails.”
Your wellness is your priority.
“Always keep your overall health and wellness in mind. Think about the consequences of alcohol use. You feel lousy when you have a hangover. Drinking might cause you to say hurtful words to someone or trigger resentments. Think about the consequences if you drink alcohol.”
Be gentle with yourself.
“This might be easier said than done, but it’s an excellent idea to keep in mind. If you have an ally – a sober friend, a trusted family member, or someone who knows that you’re trying to avoid alcohol – reaching out to them is helpful.”
