STAYING SOBER THIS CHRISTMAS: MY TOP TIPS

It’s Christmas tomorrow. The only day of the year when it’s socially acceptable to start necking alcohol at 9am. For many, it’s a unique day when it’s tradition to drink a few glasses of champagne before you’ve brushed their teeth.

But for the millions fighting alcohol addiction, it can be a day of battling the devil on your shoulder. A day where the aggressive disease of alcoholism has an extra spring in its deadly step.

Come to think of it, the entire Christmas and New Year period is a minefield for those on the wagon. The alcohol advertisements are on steroids, parties are in full swing and a LOT of alcohol is consumed.

For me personally, it has got a hell of a lot easier over time. This will be my 8th sober Christmas in a row. Something I’m incredibly proud of.

If, for example, I suddenly had a personality transplant, and decided I wanted to go and sit in a pub with 100 drunk people, that wouldn’t be an issue. I could cope quite easily.

But it would have been hard to do that at the start of my journey. For that reason, I’m going to share my tips for staying sober this Christmas from a viewpoint of a newly sober me.

Don’t put yourself in dangerous situations!

If you have any concerns about a party or event that you’ve been invited to – don’t go! It’s not worth the risk.

You are not missing out on anything!

There is absolutely nothing to gain from drinking at Christmas. But there’s a LOT to lose! The only thing those who do drink will get is a hangover. The joy you will feel when the 2nd of January comes around, and you’re still sober, is an indescribable feeling.

Surround yourself with those who support you.

If you can, stay close to the people who support your sobriety. And stay away from those that don’t understand it.

Stick to your routine.

Not always easy at Christmas time, but so important. I have made it a tradition to go for a run on Christmas morning. It’s what I’d normally do on my day off work and it makes me feel good about myself. For me, it’s the perfect start to an alcohol free Christmas day.

Keep busy.

If you’re off work for Christmas, fill your diary. Do whatever it takes to make sure you are busy doing things that make you feel good about yourself. Cook for friends and family, exercise, make plans with your kids, volunteer…whatever it takes.

Have a plan for if it gets too much.

Make sure you know where the support is if you get a huge craving. Whether that be AA groups or a specific person you can talk to. The worst thing you can do is bottle up those feelings. Talk to somebody.

These are the core points that got me through those first few festive periods.

Just remember, Christmas is just another day. And in time, you will learn to enjoy it again.

Alcoholism is an illness. It’s a disease. But it’s not terminal. There’s a way back for everybody.

Good luck and Happy Christmas.

Toby