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Alcoholism and Holiday Celebrations
Hello @georgette12 @brit @Gray @gman007 @melsy @amberpep @gailb
As Memorial Day is now behind us, I was thinking about those of you who have discussed alcoholism. Some of you have discussed it as an issue you have dealt with personally and some of you have discussed the effects of alcoholism in your family. Whatever the source of the alcoholic behavior, I think we can all agree that holidays seem to be tough times for anyone dealing with addictions. Perhaps in the past, alcohol was a part of picnics and other holiday celebrations. It could be that the threat of alcoholic behavior created a feeling of dread of the holidays. Whatever your response might be, let’s discuss how we can approach the holidays “alcohol-free.” Many of you have probably developed certain plans to keep the holidays sober and peaceful. So if you are comfortable doing so, let’s share those ideas with each other. Teresa
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Remember, it really is “One Day at a Time,” especially during holidays. You can make it through the end of one day. Then repeat! In the early days I would tell another alcoholic I was going to a party or dinner or whatever and told them I’d call them if I needed support. Just knowing I had that lifeline was great support in itself. I also promised to call them after I got back from the event. That helped with accountability. And if and when temptation is right in front of you, step back, take a deep breath, stop and think for a few seconds, think about how far you’ve come, and proudly and cheerfully turn away from it. Then smile.
Journaling really helps fight addiction, so if you have addictions, try keeping a similar diary.
As the new year approaches, so do end-of-the-year parties, which often include alcohol. How are you doing as you approach the last day of the year? Have you developed a plan to maintain sobriety?
What plans are in place for the new year?
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2 ReactionsI take it one day at a time...sometimes I feel overwhelmed by the desire to use...then I have to do it one minute at a time...when I can't get it off my mind I go for long walks and try to get myself strong enough to make it another day. I think I stay clean and sober to prove it can be done..I still have a long way to go.
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7 Reactions@joeyjensen1959 What a great mindset! One day at a time or one minute at a time. I love the way you have alternative activities planned (like walking) when the desire to use gets too strong.
We all need tools to use when we feel weak, and you have created some good ones!
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1 Reaction@hopeful33250 we can help each other stay clean and healthy and sober...thank you and mercy Christmas
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1 ReactionSometimes I feel like putting my feelings in writing...but can't seem to say what I feel .
So then I try to draw or paint something like how I want to feel.
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1 ReactionYou are right, @joeyjensen1959. We can help each other stay clean, healthy, and sober. Maintaining sobriety is best done with others. Isolation tends to lead to addictive behaviors, and community support is needed. I can tell that you have made progress in this area. Painting, drawing, music, or other artworks are excellent substitutes if you are not a writer!
Merry Christmas to you as well!
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1 Reaction@joeyjensen1959
Good for you! I'm thinking about picking up a pencil to try to draw! Haven't done that since childhood. I recently stopped drinking because I got the flu bug. But, I don't crave drinking alcohol any longer. My mind is telling me to be positive and I'm going with my new outlook.
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3 Reactions@granddame and @joeyjensen1959
On Connect, there are a few discussion groups that talk about the healing power of art. I think you would enjoy these groups. Here are links to a few of those discussions:
--Art for Healing
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/art-for-healing/
--Art as stress reduction
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/art-as-stress-reduction/
I look forward to hearing from you again.