"Staying sober at this time of year can be daunting, but having an accountability buddy, a humorous response to offers of a drink and a willingness to be kind to yourself and others can help"
"I don't remember my first drink as anything profound. It was a shot of schnapps on a ski holiday when I was 12, and it tasted like a bad decision, nothing less, nothing more."
"Alcohol ambivalence is rare, and most drinkers have to be careful; it's a substance designed for consumption above all else. Alcohol doesn't respect boundaries, bedtime reminders, or a Tuesday evening yoga class. I never drank with commitments in mind."
Staying sober during the holiday season can feel daunting, particularly amid frequent social drinking. An accountability buddy provides support and shared responsibility for alcohol-free choices. Prepared, humorous responses to offers of a drink can deflect pressure and preserve social ease. Practicing kindness toward oneself reduces guilt and supports long-term goals when lapses or strong urges arise. Recognizing that alcohol is engineered for consumption and often disregards personal boundaries reinforces the need for vigilance. Early drinking experiences may be unremarkable, but conscious strategies help maintain sobriety. Small planned rituals can replace drinking habits and reduce temptation.
Read at Independent
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