The arrival of summer brings warmer temperatures, which makes it perfect for outdoor events, such as weddings, backyard barbeques, and staff retreats. It’s a time when people will serve beer, wine and liquor and other beverages to celebrate with their loved ones. While this may not seem to be an issue for some people, it can be a major challenge for people recovering from alcoholism. Seeing other people drinking adult drinks may trigger their cravings for alcohol and cause a significant relapse. Here are alcohol sobriety tips for people in recovery.
1) Set the Limits
It’s not unusual for people recovering from alcoholism to attend numerous events all year where alcohol is not only served, it’s celebrated. Those in recovery should ask themselves whether they’ll be able to contain the urge despite the party atmosphere. There is no right or wrong answer, but the ability to resist the temptation will greatly determine whether they’ll remain sober. Often times, if they question whether or not they have the resolve, we suggest making a different set of plans that doesn’t involve alcohol and kindly decline attending a social function where alcohol is being served.
2) Find a Support System
It’s possible that 2020 may be filled with parties, which make a recovering person’s journey towards recovery more challenging. Former drinkers need to surround themselves with friends and family who value their well-being and their attempts to stave off the temptation of relapse. If possible, one should be accompanied by a friend to events where alcohol may be served for help refraining from indulging in alcohol consumption. Ex-drinkers should find like-minded persons to keep them company, encourage them, and remind them about how far they have come.
3) Have a Non-alcoholic Drink in Hand
During parties, people may keep offering alcoholic drinks to test a recovering person’s sobriety. Having a non-alcoholic drink in hand will prevent prying questions about the journey to sobriety. People can talk to the bartenders directly and ask them to avoid honoring requests of people who keep sending alcohol. It’s better to prepare for the future, rather than to react to the current situation.
4) Learn to Stay Alone
Struggling to stay sober is not a walk in the park. It is even worse if one has to attend parties where alcohol is freely flowing. This is not the time to feel sorry for being a loner. Instead, ex-drinkers should divert the stress by reminding themselves that it’s a choice they have made to improve their health. They should keep reminding themselves of the dangers of alcohol and focus on staying sober.
5) Create an Exit Strategy
Abstainers should know that they are not immune to tempting situations, and saying no to alcohol is the only way to stop them. Stay clear of places and people
that motivate you to drink. For those who develop a sudden craving for alcohol in the company of friends, an exit strategy is vital to keep them living without the bottle in hand. They should excuse themselves and leave if they are feeling the urge too strongly. It is okay to lie to avoid the temptation.
Staying sober will take great resilience on the part of people recovering from alcoholism because they will get invited to parties and see old drinking buddies. Some folks need to make new sober friends. It’s okay to decline invitations from people to events that are likely to offer alcohol. Contact Pathway Healthcare today for professional help and more sobriety tips.