I can honestly say that as a recovering alcoholic, I hated it when the holidays would come. There’s so much stress that accompanies Christmas, Thanksgiving and New Years. I have now survived eleven years worth totally clean and sober.
As a recovered addict and family member of someone who is recovering, I can say that I can’t stand the stress that accompanies the festive seasons as well.
I am what they refer to as a two time winner. I have been in the twelve steps of Alcoholics Anonymous and also I’ve worked the same twelve in the AL-anon program.
Listen to understand this better, we have to realize that it was social situations and stress that contributed to the addicts drinking behaviors before they decided to get help.
Anyone who has ever had a few drinks knows that your nerves are eased and you become a lot more social after getting a few good shots in you. Why do you think that so many people must drink alcohol before they can get out on the dance floor?
When these special days roll around every year, they come filled with more responsibilities and people for the person in recovery to deal with. It’s a time when people who are attending support group meetings to help them stay sober must increase their meetings.
Family members of alcoholics are just as bad at hating the holidays.
During Christmas, Thanksgiving and New Years family members of problem drinkers spend more time in their support groups as well. The holidays are stressful for everyone. So, it just stands to reason that during these times of the year people in recovery must work their programs extra hard.
One of my favorite sayings that a good friend in the AL-anon program shared with me says: “have a nice day unless you’ve made other plans.” This is the type of attitude that we must adopt during the Christmas season. If we do not we will find ourselves miserably unhappy because of all of the stress.
If you are a recovering alcoholic or family member of a problem drinker, work extra hard to let go of your problems and let God have the stress that comes with the holidays. Spend more time in meetings than normal and read more helpful literature.
No related posts.
Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.
