5 Ways to Enjoy Holiday Parties in Recovery

The holiday season brings endless parties, celebrations, dinners, and get-togethers with friends and family. Invites to seasonal events might bring about a familiar anxiety, causing you to question if you can handle being sober at a party. Don’t let your recovery process deter you from having fun with your favorite people. Awakenings for Women, a sober living facility in Boca Raton has simple but effective tips you can use to help you enjoy holiday parties in recovery.

1.Let your sponsor know that you will be attending, and keep them on speed dial. This way, if you do feel tempted and overwhelmed, they can expect your call and be ready to help.

2. Drive yourself to the party. Having access to your own car reduces stress of being put in an uncomfortable situation or feeling like you are stuck at the party. An added benefit: you will not put yourself at risk of getting into the car with a drunk driver.

3. Keep a non-alcoholic beverage in your hand to avoid being offered a drink. It is typical party etiquette to offer someone a beverage if they don’t already have one. The illusion of drinking will help you enjoy holiday parties in recovery by deterring people to pressure you to drink.

4. Be prepared to answer questions during your sober celebrations. People will be naturally curious as to why you are not drinking. Our sober living facility in Boca knows there’s less of a stigma around recovery these days, therefore it’s ok to discuss your circumstances with people if you are comfortable.

5. Have an excuse to leave. If at any point you become uncomfortable, know what you are going to say so that you can quickly leave.