by Joe Baptista – Director of Community Relations, 1000 Islands Addiction Rehab
The holidays are one of the most difficult times of year if you are trying to quit drinking or if you are a recovering alcoholic. Throughout the year there are many events such as weddings and birthdays, but the Holiday Season means even more celebrating and more temptation. Sobriety and recovery from alcohol can be at risk if you are not prepared. Mariah, Lead Intake Counsellor at the 1000 Islands Addiction Rehab says that it is better to have a safety plan and not need it, than to need one and not have it.
These are the ways she suggests to plan ahead:
Be honest with yourself: Which situations/events are higher risk to your sobriety? Make an honest and thorough assessment of all possible risks and issues that may be present and how you can cope with them. Some situations you many want to avoid for a while.
Have support: Bring a friend or identify someone who is attending that you feel safe with. This way you will ensure someone else is there to support you.
Check-In: Step away from the situation at regular intervals and call a friend, sponsor or someone else in recovery. You should not wait for a problem to develop before you call.
Prepare answers: If you recently left an inpatient rehab, people may be curious about it or ask why you were away. It is up to you what you share. Do not feel obligated to divulge information you would rather keep private. Prepare some answer so that you are not feeling put on the spot.
Keep a non-alcoholic drink in your hand: Soda, water, juice, whatever. People are less likely to offer you a drink if you already have one. They do not need to know it is non-alcoholic.
Plan a way out: Have a plan that will allow you to leave for another commitment. Identify a support meeting in the area during that time. If going with a friend, decide on a code word beforehand to signal you want to leave.
John, the Lead Addictions Councillor, provides this advice: “Keep realistic expectations and don’t over commit to people, places and things that could have the costly result of triggering or challenging your sobriety. Focus on being positive and visualize what the next right thing is”
John and Mariah are part of the Councillor Team at the 1000 Islands Addiction Rehab.
For more information Contact:
Joe Baptista – Director of Community Relations
853 – 100 Islands Parkway Mallorytown, ON K0E 1R0
OFFICE: 613-659-5300 CELL: 343-264-2501
joe@ontarioaddiction.com
For More Information On Addiction and Treatment, visit: addictionrehabthousandislands.ca.