| One of the most difficult times of the year for those | | | | former favorite drinking establishments. It is very likely |
| recovering from alcoholism is the Christmas holidays. If | | | | that your old drinking buddies are still there and are still |
| you find yourself struggling during the Christmas | | | | telling the same old stories. |
| season, please remember that you are not alone. Help | | | | 7. Create New Traditions to replace your Old Drinking |
| is only a phone call or a meeting away! | | | | Patterns |
| Here are some helpful and practical tips to keep you | | | | Try something totally different during the holidays. Buy |
| from taking that first drink. | | | | a new board game; take the family on a sleigh ride; |
| 1. Plan Each and Every Day of Your Holiday | | | | prepare a family power point presentation. Use you |
| Plan to spend the majority of your time with friends | | | | imagination, be creative and have fun. |
| and family who are supportive of your recovery. If you | | | | 8. Write out a Daily Gratitude List |
| are required to be present for a social gathering | | | | The quickest cure to get you out of the holiday blues |
| where alcohol is being served, bring a fellow AA | | | | is by counting your blessings. Be grateful for what you |
| member with you. Plan fun events and outings to | | | | have by writing out a gratitude list every morning. Don't |
| replace your old drinking rituals. | | | | stop writing until you have at least 10 items on your list. |
| 2. Find an "Alkathon" in Your Area | | | | 9. Volunteer your Services to a Charitable Organization |
| During the Christmas season, some AA groups hold a | | | | There are many people in your community who are |
| marathon of meetings called an "Alkathon." It is a time | | | | homeless and hungry. Why not volunteer to work at a |
| when the members of Alcoholics Anonymous gather | | | | soup kitchen or at a special Christmas dinner for those |
| together to celebrate their recovery from alcohol | | | | less fortunate than you? You will be helping not only |
| addiction. Many AA groups have meetings on the hour | | | | the needy but yourself! |
| every hour to share their experience, strength and | | | | 10. Write a Letter to yourself. How I Stayed Sober |
| hope. If you are a member of the fellowship or think | | | | over Christmas. |
| that you might have a problem with alcohol, you are | | | | The act of writing your ideas on paper is very |
| welcome to attend. Check the local papers for an | | | | powerful. Write down all the activities and events that |
| "Alkathon" in your area. | | | | will help you have healthy happy sober Christmas. |
| 3. Ask for Support from Your Family and Friends | | | | Now take action on them and make this letter come |
| Those who are truly supportive of your recovery will | | | | true! |
| be happy to help you throughout the holidays. Be up | | | | 11. Avoid H.A.L.T. |
| front and tell them your concerns. | | | | H.A.L.T. stands for:o Hungryo Angryo Lonelyo Tired |
| 4. Have a List of at Least Ten People you can call if | | | | There are very simple solutions for all of the above |
| you feel the Urge to Drink | | | | items. If you are hungry, get something to eat. If you |
| Make a list and check it twice. Carry your cell phone | | | | are angry, talk to somebody about it. If you are lonely, |
| and your list of names at all times. The urge to drink is | | | | go to a meeting or call a friend. If you are tired, get a |
| very powerful and can happen at any time. | | | | good night's sleep. |
| 5. Don't Forget about Regular Exercise | | | | 12. Live One Day at a time and Enjoy your Sobriety! |
| Regular exercise is an essential component of any | | | | Stay in the moment. Have present time consciousness. |
| balanced recovery program. If you have extra time on | | | | Be in the now. These are all different ways of telling |
| your hands, it is a great idea to get out and exercise. | | | | you to live 1 day at a time. Never mind about what |
| Examples include running, skating, cross country skiing, | | | | happened or what could happen. Enjoy today. Live |
| stretching, yoga, Tai Chi, Pilates or water aerobics. | | | | today. Celebrate your sobriety! |
| Instead of napping on the couch after dinner, go for a | | | | If you follow these simple steps, it is totally feasible to |
| walk around the block. | | | | stay sober over the Christmas Holidays. Take action |
| 6. Stay Away from Slippery Places | | | | now! Print out this article and plan a Happy and Healthy |
| There is absolutely no reason to ever check out your | | | | holiday season. |