Alcoholism and Holiday Celebrations

Posted by Teresa, Volunteer Mentor @hopeful33250, May 31, 2017

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

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Addiction & Recovery Support Group.

moncrdeb | @moncrdeb | Sep 1, 2019

In reply to @hopeful33250 "@klmz Hello Kathy: You have made some good plans for dealing with alcohol during the holidays..." + (show)

I keep a non alcoholic beverage in my hands at all times....

Lisa Lucier, Moderator | @lisalucier | Sep 3, 2019

In reply to @moncrdeb "I keep a non alcoholic beverage in my hands at all times...." + (show)

@moncrdeb - how do you feel being around others who drink? Does it work okay for you when you have the non-alcoholic beverage?

Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Sep 4, 2019

Hi All: I have been thinking about you all and wondering how your Labor Day weekend went. If you would care to share how you dealt with the temptations of alcohol, I would enjoy hearing from you.

moncrdeb | @moncrdeb | Sep 5, 2019

In reply to @lisalucier "@moncrdeb - how do you feel being around others who drink? Does it work okay for..." + (show)

I stay away from the bar scene. Over time I have become more comfortable. I’m lucky in that my friends and family drink very little. I am experiencing the promises (from AA big book ).

Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Sep 5, 2019

@moncrdeb That is good news! For those not familiar with the AA big book, could you briefly describe what it means to "experience the promises"?

Lisa Lucier, Moderator | @lisalucier | Sep 11, 2019

In reply to @moncrdeb "I stay away from the bar scene. Over time I have become more comfortable. I’m lucky..." + (show)

I'd also like to hear about the AA big book and the promises, @moncrdeb. I think others in this discussion might benefit, also. Will you explain what you mean by experiencing the promises?

moncrdeb | @moncrdeb | Sep 12, 2019

In reply to @lisalucier "I'd also like to hear about the AA big book and the promises, @moncrdeb. I think..." + (show)

The promises are listed on pages 83 and 84 of the Big Book. It begins with, :If we are painstaking about this stage of our development (recovery), we will be amazed before we are halfway through. We will come to know a new freedom and new happiness. We will experience serenity and peace (with life’s ups and downs). The promises will materialize if we work for them by helping others and connecting with our higher power. Read the AA Big Book. It is available at the public library😉

olivia22819 | @olivia22819 | Sep 18, 2019

hello! I am a non drinker and have been for many years, however I grew up as a child of both mom and dad being alcoholics. My husband and I are non drinkers. For the holidays we do fun things with our children like play games, listen to music...dance and watch classic movies. Unfortunately though it gets challenging sometimes with some family members who may drink alcohol, they may come around but won't stay long. Its sad at times but i have learned to live with some of the choices that people make.

Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Sep 18, 2019

Hello @olivia22819,

I appreciated your comments about how you handle alcohol and the holiday seasons. It sounds as if you have made peace with your family history of alcoholism and made good choices for your own family!

Has your family ever challenged your non-alcohol lifestyle?

olivia22819 | @olivia22819 | Sep 18, 2019

In reply to @hopeful33250 "Hello @olivia22819, I appreciated your comments about how you handle alcohol and the holiday seasons. It..." + (show)

Yes, i don't keep alcohol in my home at all. One of the reasons is because I don't want for it to be tempting to my mom. I do have family that have attempted to go to the store and buy it for her. When I caught this and stopped it, she wasn't happy but I am clear with my discison. I grew up in an alcholic environment witnessing verbal and physical abuse, being homeless, displaced and missed a lot of education due to the lack of stability. I carried a lot of weight, along with my younger sister, so therefore I am very serious about no alcohol.

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