The alcoholics and the people that struggle with addictions are particularly vulnerable during the holidays. Alcohol, drugs and other addictions usually are just a cover-up for the underlying problems of loneliness, difficulties with life, ineffective coping skills, denial and sadness. Without the drugs, alcohol and other addictions to help them cope with the holidays, what can they do to help themselves? Here are 20 suggestions for surviving the Holidays and living one day at a time.
- Double up on meetings
- Call your sponsor frequently.
- Offer sponsorship to others.
- Offer help to others.
- Volunteer your time at food shelters, etc. Yes, wherever you go you can always find someone who is less fortunate than yourself.
- Accept any and all invitations.
- Get out of “self.”
- Meet one new person in the month of December.
- Stay busy.
- Avoid parties if you think the drinking will bother you.
- Avoid people who you feel will sabotage your efforts to avoid your addiction.
- Stick with the people who are on YOUR Track, the track of sobriety and sober living.
- Meditate every day.
- Begin each day praying and asking God for assistance.
- Exercise because being physical releases endorphins which make you feel good.
- Begin taking vitamins every day. Begin with a multivitamin and begin to investigate the world of vitamins. Perhaps an individual lacks the feeling of “well-being” because your body is depleted of certain vitamins.
- Get proper rest. If you have trouble sleeping at night consider an herbal remedy such as Chamomile tea or Melatonin herbal pill.
- If you still feel depressed, consider an herbal remedy, St. John’s Wort for men and Black Cohosh for women.
- Stay connected to others, don’t isolate.
- Get 30 minutes of sunshine every day. Vitamin D is essential to good health.
Bah Humbug! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! From one Scrooge to another…
If you know someone who has a problem with drugs or addiction, direct them to a local AA Meeting or NA meeting. Our meetings in Lafayette, Louisiana are held every day seven days a week. There is help if you seek it out.
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