HOLIDAY SOBRIETY PLAN
by E.B Fisher, CCA staff, & CCA clients
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Write down, by the day, all the things that you will be doing during the Holiday Season. This means that you must examine the work parties, family reunions, etc. and come up with a PLAN. (tDD- what do they say about those that fail to plan?)
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Who is going to be at the get-together? Do they do drugs? Will alcohol be served? (tDD- it’s important to be real honest with yourself on this one. You know how you get and with who that get that way with.)
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Have an EXIT STRATEGY. Many people did well during the dinner and gift exchange. But after that, the drinking begins and they did not have a ride home so they stayed. Next thing you know, you’ve used. Now you feel guilty. Guilt brings pain, so we self-medicate and use more…. (tDD- take control of the power by being the ride instead of getting the ride. Your terms and you can leave when you want. Hmmm, some of did that when using, just this time it’s to go do the right thing.)
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Plan to have clean and sober people over to your house so that you can plan a clean and sober party and have a great time……stress free. (tDD- it beats complaining that there is nowhere to go. And again, you are in control and can keep the festivities focused on what truly is important, good friends and family.)
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Schedule to attend extra support meetings. Find out the schedule at the clubhouses for cookouts and fun activities. (tDD- unfortunately there are alot of people that feel very alone at this time. If you are new these marathon meetings may just be the ticket you need. If you are an “old timer” it’s a good time to give back and be there for those suffering.)
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Learn to say NO to situations that you know will not be good for your sobriety. (tDD- again, you must be real honest about this one. This is not the time to test yourself.)
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STICK TO THE PLAN. (tDD- what good is creating it if you don’t DO IT! Commit and DO!)
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Fill your time up with positive activities. Stay busy but relax. (tDD- get creative like a child. Getting un-stuck is part of recovery.)
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Explain to friends and family members that you are working your Sobriety Plan and that you will not be coming to parties that you consider to be a risk. Make arrangements to see them earlier in the day or the next day to spend time with them in a non-party environment. (tDD- this makes for better and more meaningful conversations and catching up anyway.)
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Watch your diet. Don’t over eat and go easy on the sugar. (tDD- we can abuse anything, but high levels of sugar can be problematic and mimic the high and low effects some of us must avoid.)
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Make time to relax and get caught up on your sleep. You have been working very hard and need a break. (tDD- it’s important to learn how to relax and enjoy your quiet time in recovery. We can be on the go all the time and expect a healthy recovery.)
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Bottome line: HAVE FUN…..CLEAN AND SOBER! (tDD- yes you CAN have fun CLEAN and SOBER. Feel blessed and know that you are worthy, because we lost alot of people again this year that don’t have this day to enjoy. In their memory, we can appreciate this moment.
Special thanks to the clients and staff at Colonial Counseling Associates, Inc. (www.colonialcounseling.com) that created this plan. We truly appreciate you all, especially E.B Fisher, co-owner and CEO of CCA, that called in to the show to share it live and allowed us to share it with all of you.
Happy Holidays to you all and stay safe…..tDD.
