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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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@hopeful33250 thank you.
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2 Reactions@joeyjensen1959 Yep, we do whatever we need to do, to stay sober. I distance myself from situations where there is a temptation. Some days that feels like all interactions with people, then I hibernate! Walking and getting outside in the fresh air certainly does help my mindset, works off excess energy, and helps me focus outside of what civil war might be playing in my mind.
A few times it has come down to arguing with myself. Write down a list of what might be lost if I give in? Write down how that might make me feel? Write down how the struggle would affect me, and what would I do to "fix" things? We both know it wouldn't/couldn't be beneficial to give in to that desire. And the reward is to feel proud of myself for not rolling over and giving in.
Ginger
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3 ReactionsThank you so much for your strength and support...
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2 ReactionsI've been having a hard day....I read your replies and then read it again...
It helped thank you
Joseph
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3 ReactionsGood for you Ginger. We do whatever is required to stay sober.
I've been sober 14 plus years now (May 2011). I'm not tempted in situations where I otherwise would have been drinking.
Sobriety changes over time. Whatever we do to keep ourselves sober, well that's our decision. Other people certainly help.
Happy Sober New Year Ginger!
Joe
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2 ReactionsGood for you Joseph, and thanks for your post. We do whatever it takes to keep our sobriety, and your comment is a great reminder for all of us.
Joe
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4 Reactions@heyjoe415 this is one way to feel a part of something...like a family .
Happy new year.
Joseph
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2 ReactionsThanks Joseph and Happy New Year!
Yes being part of a community/family helps immensely with sobriety - getting it and maintaining it.
I still recall how unique I thought I was with my problems and my drinking, until I went to my first AA meeting in August of 2003. None of the people looked like me - but their words were so, so similar. It was comforting then, and it remains comforting now.
I did relapse after 4.5 years, thinking myself cured. First thought wrong. It was very hard getting back to AA, but my current 14 years plus started in 2011. I don't take it for granted anymore.
I hope you have a great, great 2026 Joseph! Reach out anytime!
Joe