How to Maintain Your Sobriety Around Your Family During the Holidays

Theres no shortage of reasons you might be sticking to sobriety this holiday season and beyond.

For many of us, family time is like alcohol consumption: Its best in careful moderation.

Regardless, its helpful to have a strategy in place to survive a sober holiday around family.

Here are some concrete tips to get through family-time-merriment without reaching for the bottle.

Anticipate your triggers

You know your familyand yourselfbetter than anyone.

it’s crucial that you put yourself and your sobriety first, always,Carise writes.

People who love you and want the best for you will respect that.

Anyone else can go deck the halls.

Accountability is key.

Alerting other people to your goals is a surefire way to hold yourself to them.

In the event that someone tries to push you to drink, youll have others supporting you.

This tip is simple yet effective.

have a go at always have a non-alcoholic beverage in your hand to make it curb alcoholic temptations.

Who doesnt lovea mocktail?

Additionally, you might stay busy by offering to help with dishes or wrangle any kids running around.

Not only will you be distracted from alcohol, youll be winning the hosts heart.

Visualization is a powerful toolto prepare for difficult tasks.

While youre anticipating your triggers, take the time to truly envision yourself saying no to temptation.

Dont be afraid to practice in the mirror, either.

Think ahead of time how and when youll be leaving the festivities.

AsInto Action Recovery Centersputs it, Saying youre feeling unwell isnt an untruth.

Its okay to put your recovery first, stay a little vague and take care of yourself.

Carise also offers the BYOC trick: Bring Your Own Car.

You dont want to have to count on someone else for transportation.

If not, phone a friend.

Boundaries and family dont exactly go hand-in-hand.

Chances are those reasons are more important than one family gathering.

And if your family doesnt understand or respect your boundaries, simply dont risk it this year.

You donthaveto visit family members who dont support you properly.

Hopefully they can be there for you, but if not, dont feel obligated to be around them.