National Campaign Against Substance Abuse, Government Enclave, Gaborone (2026)

21/12/2015

12 TIPS TO STAY SOBER THIS FESTIVE SEASON
Take this opportunity to celebrate not only the holidays, but also your new life of sobriety, which is something really worth celebrating. Here are some helpful and practical tips to make staying sober easier this festive season:

1: Create new holiday traditions to replace your old using patterns
In many families in Botswana, getting together for the holidays means sitting around and DRINKING. Investigate other options now. Consider playing our traditional games with family and friends. Use your imagination, you might be surprised at the great response people have to new and different ways to celebrate.

2. It’s okay to tell people you are now in recovery
There is a lot less stigma these days to being in recovery. Nearly everyone knows someone who is in recovery and very open about it. It’s your choice whether you want to tell people. But remember that if your friends and family don’t know that you have given up alcohol, they may lead you into temptation without intending to. When you let it be known that you don’t drink, offer support and encouragement to others who are thinking about sobriety but are afraid to take the leap.

3. Ask for support from family and friends
Those who are truly supportive of your recovery will be happy to help you throughout the holidays.

4. Have a sober buddy
There is no reason you have to face temptation alone. Have a friend who will commit to staying sober with you this festive season. Knowing that there is someone close by who is in the same idea as you can be extremely helpful.

5. Remember that being in recovery doesn’t mean instant heaven or a perfect life
Most people with a challenge of addiction expect their upside-down world to immediately turn right side up. That rarely happens. If you have been excessively taking alcohol or drugs for a while, your brain may need several months or even longer to set its self right. Give yourself time to build a happy new life and reminding yourself everyday how GREAT it feels to be sober.

6. Make a plan for dealing with cravings
Don’t forget to write up a list of what works for you: Calling your sober buddy, praying, reading a recovery book or a quick workout at the gym. You are the only one who knows what works best for you. The quickest cure to get you out of the holiday blues is by counting your blessings and being grateful for what you have every morning.

7. Make a plan for staying sober at the parties
Decide in advance that there is no way you are going to have that usual drink or “do that line” at the event. Know and rehearse exactly what you will say if someone offers you a drink or drugs. Bring yourself a bottle of water or soda and that way you won’t keep turning down offers of something to drink. People won’t be asking you and unknowingly tempting you.

8. Don’t romance the drink or drug
Romancing the “good old days” will only make staying sober harder. Be honest with yourself and remind yourself of what your addiction really looked like on a daily basis and also how great it feels to be sober.

9. Stay away from slippery places
There is absolutely no reason to ever check your former favourite establishments.

10. Take care of yourself
Get plenty of sleep. Drink lots of water and don’t forget about regular exercise. Maintaining your usual recovery routine will help you stay on track even when everyone else around you is indulging during the festive season.

11. Be very careful about what you eat and drink
Alcohol and drugs don’t come only in the usual containers or forms we might know. It can come in different ways or forms such as chocolates, cakes, etc. What you don’t know can definitely hurt you. One reason, of course, is that even a small amount of alcohol can trigger a relapse. How much does it take? A tiny drop? A small glass? There is no definite answer, so it’s best to avoid all alcohol and drugs and keep your risk as low as possible.

12. Take it easy: live one day at a time and enjoy your sobriety
Stay in the moment and live one day at a time. Never mind about what happened or what could happen. Enjoy today. Live today. Celebrate your sobriety!
If you are struggling and need advice about how to stay sober during the holidays, just pick a phone and call.....