Staying sober through the holidays

[Tina L.]

Last night I went to an aa meeting and our topic was on staying sober through the holidays. I heard that a lot of us go back to drinking (or worse) during this time a year. Many good suggestions were offered at the meeting. May be we should offer some suggestions here for those who can not get to a meeting and for those who are still drinking but would like to get sober at this time of the year.

Tina. xoxoxo

[anniemac]

Great idea, Tina!

For holiday parties, go late, leave early, call someone before you go, carry the cell phone with numbers of sober friends (and if no one is available, call the hotline number for AA in your area), always get your own beverage so no one can give you alcohol by mistake, and don't put yours down and assume you know which one it is when you go to pick it up.

Step up number of meetings, do extra readings, take a speaking commitment, participate in your Intergroup's Alcathon if they have one.

Implement the slogans big-time...move a muscle, change a thought. Sitting in self-pity is not a good recipe for sobriety. One day at a time, or one minute at a time. Take it easy....we don't have to buy the most fabulous gifts or bake the best cookies; it's okay to bow out of obligations and get-togethers and just "be".

And, of course, talk to God!!