Want a Sober 2020? Here’s How You Can Stay Sober This Year

The festive season is just around the corner. There’s plenty of opportunities to have a jolly old time with family gatherings, meeting friends, work dos and Christmas markets. It may be tempting during these merry months, but don’t let alcohol get in the way of you enjoying the most wonderful time of the year.

This period poses an even harder challenge for those in the process of alcohol recovery, especially if it’s your first Christmas being sober. With this in mind, we’re showing you how easy it is to make the most of this wondrous season whilst staying sober.

You can still have just as much fun (if not more) when enjoying Christmas and New Years sober. It’s time to embody the phrase “New Year, New Me” and jump into the new decade with a fresh start!

Potential Festive Temptations

This season is full of environments with alcohol. Work parties, catch-ups with friends, Christmas Day, New Years Eve outings, house parties. The list goes on.

But you don’t have to turn down all these invitations because you’re not drinking – these occasions are still as much fun without a drink.

If you can get through this tough time, you’ll come out the other side with a tougher mindset. You can take on the world once you’ve bested the festive season.

What are the Benefits of Having a Sober Christmas?

No hangovers!

You can wake up bright and early on Christmas Day to make the most of the fun. Spending quality time with those who matter is what counts.

No Awkwardness!

Choosing to not drink at your work Christmas party can save a lot of awkwardness and embarrassment. You can be left feeling a fool after behaving badly at a party, saying something stupid or doing something to make a colleague feel uncomfortable. Instead, you’ll be reminiscing all night long with your favourite co-workers about the year’s challenges and your favourite memories.

 

Remember the Fun!

You won’t be left playing catch-up after a fun night, whether it’s with the work lot, your best friends or family. You’ll fondly remember the good times had for years to come, cherishing meaningful conversations and harking back to the good old days.

No Negatives!

You’ll benefit from having a positive time. No alcohol-induced arguments, no hangover moods and no irrational behaviour. Staying sober at a party means you’ll only have good times.

Save Money!

One night out is expensive enough. But this period attracts binge drinking from the Friday before Christmas right into the new year. Giving up alcohol will mean you have more money to spend on your friends, family or whatever means the most to you. There’s no better feeling than giving a gift!

Drinking alcohol has many associated risks. Not only does the chemical negatively affect your body, but it affects your judgement and coordination. Kicking the drink will keep your body clean and make you less likely to have an accident.

How to Stay Sober this Christmas and Kickstart Your New Years Resolution: 5 Tips

1. Be the Designated Driver

Swap the bottle for the car keys and offer to be the designated driver. You’ll be able to get where you’re going easily whilst giving others a lift. You won’t be stuck out all night and you can help others in need too. It is the season to be generous after all.

And when you’re the designated driver, you’re not the only one looking out for yourself. Others will support you as they know you’re helping them and give you the courage to stay strong.

2. Surround Yourself With Loved Ones

Really get involved with the cheerful feeling of the season. Surround yourself with positive people who want to support you. Spend quality time with the family at home and put on a classic Christmas film, play charades or get involved in the kitchen. 

Your loved ones will bend over backwards to help you on your journey to recovery, so there’s no better place you could be.

3. Enjoy the Alcohol-Free Options

If you’re going to an event over this period, partake in some of the alcohol-free options! Get involved with a delicious mocktail, savour a refreshing soft drink or play it cool with a glass of something ice-cold and sparkling. Just because you don’t drink alcohol doesn’t mean you can’t clink glasses with friends and family.

4. Host a Sober Party

Put on a super fun night for your friends and family. Invite them over for a home-cooked meal followed by some fun festivities. Sober party ideas include movie nights and game parties, whether it’s Monopoly and charades or video games. A sober New Years Eve party is just as exciting.

5. Be Open With People

Honesty is the best policy. Let people know that you’re going alcohol-free this Christmas and staying sober at a party, event or work do. If your friends, families and co-workers know what’s going on, they’ll openly support you and help you along your journey. Don’t feel pressured into going to an event – staying at home can be just as fun if you’re not up for it. People will understand if you’re open with them.

New Year, New Start

The festive period is an understandably hard time to stay sober for recovering addicts. There are so many occasions where alcohol is present so it’s vital to stay strong. But if you use these tips and have the right mindset, you can have a drink-free Christmas and a sober New Years Eve without hurting yourself and those around you.

Once you learn to have fun in other ways, life becomes much more enjoyable. You learn to cherish the little things, like spending time with family or going for a meal with friends. As we enter the new decade, it’s time to enjoy life in a completely new fulfilling way.

Addiction can affect anyone. If you or a loved one need help in any way, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us here at Steps Together. Pick up the phone and give us a call for a friendly no-commitment chat with our recovery experts. Discover how they can guide you or a loved one through the journey to sobriety. Regain control of your life with help from Steps Together. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!