Maintaining Your Sobriety During The Recession and Holiday Season

The holiday season has always presented special challenges to those who are recovering from alcohol abuse. Company parties, New Year's celebrations, and other seasonal activities almost always include alcohol. Those in recovery know to take one day at a time to prevent relapse. During the holiday they may have to take one minute at a time. But this year is going to be even harder for some.

RELAPSES INCREASE DURING TIMES OF STRESS AND DEPRESSION

The current recession has heightened the level of stress and depression felt by many of us. If you are a recovering alcoholic who has lost a job or is facing serious financial issues this will most likely be a holiday season more difficult than most. Maintaining your sobriety will be a more daunting task than ever. Creating a plan of action prior to the relapse is essential if you want to emerge victoriously on January 1.

HERE ARE 10 STEPS FOR YOUR ACTION PLAN

1- If you are aware of feeling depressed go to your doctor and go on an antidepressant - and stay on it until the holiday has passed. Many AA groups discourage their members from taking any medications that are not absolutely essential and an antidepressant is one they don't like. But you are far better off taking an antidepressant than self medicating with alcohol. If you need it, take it.

2- Alcohol may be given more often this year because it can be a rather inexpensive gift when coming to someone's home. Your friends may know better but some guests might not. You can explain to them that you have a 'dry' house, thank them for the thought and ask them if they would like to take it home. Then they shouldn't be upset if the bottle isn't opened. You don't have to say you are recovering. Many people today are on medication and alcohol is contraindicated. So tell them you are on a med which prevents you from drinking. If they don't take the bottle with them when they leave have someone there who will spill it out when they go. Don't leave the closed bottle in the house.

3- It may upset you to see relatives giving your children gifts you can't afford to give. Your financial situation has been hard for some time now but you are even more aware of the tight budget at Christmas. Your relapse will have a far more profound impact on your family then not getting the latest and greatest toy. Search online for inexpensive ways to have a happy holiday and create some new family traditions. The time and love they get from you as a sober parent can never be overshadowed by a toy. Christmas is a moment in time- your participation in their lives is constant. Stay sober.

4- If you must go to the company party leave early. Everyone will be so drunk they won't even notice you are gone.

5- Spend as much time as you can with people who know you are recovering. Take someone with you if you are going into a situation where you might be tempted. It doesn't matter of the boss said no family can attend. Bring someone anyway. Make up an excuse. Since you will leave early anyway say you had another stop to make that night and so your friend had to come with you.

6- Be the designated driver and take responsibility to remain totally free of alcohol to keep your friends and family safe.

7- Reconnect with the AA group you haven't been back to in a while. Get as much support as you can until the season passes. Many people who have stopped going to AA return this time of the year. You won't be the only old face they haven't seen in a while.

8- If you will be a guest in the home of someone and can't afford to bring gifts remember to help around the house. Spending money you don't have or putting on a false front to keep your financial problems a secret will only increase your stress and make you feel more pressured. People who love you want to see you for the holidays. Everyone has had budget issues at some time in their lives. It costs nothing to show love and kindness.

9- I have never been a proponent of antibuse. It really does not stop anyone from drinking. It just makes you sick if you do. However, if antibuse has helped you in the past you might want to consider using it again. That's up to you.

10- Lastly, remember to continue living one day at a time. The holiday season will pass and you will get back to your regular routine. If you are a recovering alcoholic you have toughed out harder things than this. You can do it.

This is going to be a very hard holiday for so many people. You are not alone in feeling extraordinary stress. If you do relapse remember to reach out for the help you received when you stopped before. You don't have to be detoxed after one drink. You can stop on your own. But you may have to be detoxed if you go on a drinking spree. Consider what you have to lose. Make a conscious decision to be extra cautious.