by Sandy Boller-Bilbrey, RN

As anyone who has been through it themselves or with a loved one knows, getting — and staying — sober is no small feat. It takes strength, determination and dedication to live a life of sobriety, especially during the holiday season. These tips can help reinforce your commitment to sober living and give you valuable tools to stay on track.

• Stay away from the first drink. If you don’t start, you won’t have to worry about stopping.
• Easy does it. When you feel overwhelmed or anxious, relax. Take a deep breath and a few minutes to physically and mentally calm yourself.
• Remember the serenity prayer. Ask for the strength to accept the things you cannot change, the courage to change the things you can and the wisdom to know the difference.
• Change old routines. If your usual holiday celebrations include parties and events where you know there will be alcohol served, change it up. Seek out get-togethers that do not center around drinking, and avoid temptation by celebrating the season with others in recovery to remove the temptation.
• Use the 24-hour plan. It is much more realistic to pledge that you will not take a drink in the next 24 hours than never again. 
• Don’t test your willpower. 
• Remember your last drink,  or last hangover, DUI, job loss, or drunken fight. Be honest with yourself about  how ugly the “good old days” truly were.
• Check in with a 12 step group, a rehabilitation center or church group for support only a fellow addict can give.
• Fend off loneliness. Isolation can be dangerous. Spend time with family and friends who will support your recovery and provide companionship and positive reinforcement.
• Be good to yourself. Addiction beats you up. Now that you’re in recovery, treat yourself kindly.