With weddings, Christmas, office and New Year’s eve parties, your schedule may be jam-packed. After all, it’s officially the holiday season, which means a lot of fun, food and also, alcohol. Many must be looking forward to it, but there must be some who might be nervous about the holiday season. It will be a tough time for recovering alcoholics as it will be hard to say no to a glass of sparkling wine or a mug of chilled beer. Giving in to the temptation will do no good for recovering alcoholics, so find out how to stay sober during Christmas and New Year’s eve parties.

We all look forward to this time of the year to celebrate with our loved ones, but recovering alcoholics find it stressful.

Health Shots connected with Dr Neeraj Dhar, Consultant – Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Accord Super Speciality Hospital, Faridabad, to find out how recovering alcoholics can enjoy the festivities.

Tips to stay sober in the Christmas and New Year season

1. Meditation and healthy eating

Take some time out to meditate and also eat healthy food, as these two go a long way in nourishing your mind, body and spirit.

2. Go out with friends who are sober

Your friends’ list might be long or short, but pick those who are sober so that you don’t get carried away.

3. Ignore others who are drinking

Even if you are hanging out with your sober friends, you will find people around you drinking. Just ignore them and enjoy some fruity mocktails.

4. Do fun activities

Parties aren’t just about chatting, eating or drinking. Engage yourself in fun activities. If there isn’t much to do then just hit the dance floor or if you are with your children, enjoy with them.

5. Encourage others to adopt sober life

There might be others who are in the same boat as you, so come forward and encourage others to adopt a sober life, tell them about the benefits and changes you have experienced so far.

Why is alcohol a common coping mechanism of choice during holiday?

Everybody wants to enjoy holidays by keeping their tension and work pressure aside, for which alcohol seems to be the easiest way. You just want to forget all about the stress in your life. The side effects of alcohol are many. Dhar shared that once you drink alcohol, it affects your central nervous system by calming your mind by creating a feelings of pleasure and relaxation. It help to reduces anxiety, stress and self-consciousness and for these qualities, it becomes a common coping mechanism of choice during holidays or festivities.

Non-alcoholic drinks that recovering alcoholics can enjoy

Non-alcoholic drinks might prove helpful for recovering alcoholics who are looking for sober drinking options. Coconut water is healthy and it is something that’s often used in cocktails too. You should skip the cocktails and have pure coconut water. If coconut water isn’t available then you can have a glass of lemonade as that can be easily made. There are also multiple juices or hot soups, considering it is winter. If none of these work for you, there’s always tea or coffee.