Party Pressures
Researchers note that those who have had addictions have a higher sense of pleasure. This pleasure response is what drives addiction so powerfully. Temptations to start drinking again during the holiday season are especially tempting because it is such a social time of year. Multiple pressures surround a recovering alcoholic at holiday parties:- Expectations from the crowd to join in the drinking
- Family problems at gatherings or loneliness become excuses to start drinking again
- Well-meaning family members or friends keep offering a drink as a sort of “reward” for good behavior and try to persuade the recovering addict that just one won’t hurt them. Yet, one drink is enough to pull someone back into addiction.
- Attractive alcoholic holiday drinks, party slushes, and toasts.
Party Plans
Just because someone has given up drinking alcohol, does not mean that they should have to give up holiday parties. With careful plans and determination, recovering alcohol addicts can enjoy the party without the alcohol.- Focus on Joy. The joy of recovery can help an addict focus on the best things of life rather than worries about relapsing at the sight of alcohol.
- Leave before the heavy drinking begins. Be present to open the gifts, but avoid staying too late when the alcohol really starts flowing.
- Avoid parties that are certain to include heavy drinking.
- Resist with a simple statement. There is no need for recovering alcoholics to go into long explanations as to why they are not drinking. They can merely say that they do not drink alcohol.
