Sober December!

[skullbabyland]

Sober December!

Awesome, yes it will be great to enjoy Christmas and the holidays with loved ones and actually remember them! That's the best way to enjoy memories... to actually remember them

I think it's key to make a plan for challenging times such as holidays. So what's the plan for you guys?

For me, the most challenging part will be work parties next weekend. I'll be using Antabuse as a safeguard, to take away the chances of me making the wrong decision. That way I'll be forced to stay AF. I'm also thinking of picking up a bottle of NA wine or beer to have with me, even if I put them into regular bottles, just to dodge the "why aren't you drinking?" conversations.

If the situation were diffrerent, I would be more straightforward and not so covert and just tell people I'm not drinking-- but this will be a giant work party with like 300 people, many of whom are former drinking buddies, and that's a lot to manage, so I don't mind a little deception and misdirection.

How bout you guys?

[NoraC]

Sober December!

Skull - be careful of the non-alcoholic drinks while you're taking antabuse. I think that there is still some alcohol in them. Not sure but I would research it before you mix the two. From what I have read, there are still trace amounts of alcohol in the non-alcoholic drinks.

[skullbabyland]

Sober December!

Oh, right, good call Nora- thanks for the heads up, I will make sure. Thanks!

[Londoner]

Sober December!

........... Now the invites are rolling in. Lots of old friends are organising the usual Christmas meet ups that all revolve around booze.

And the little voice starts trying to get louder.

Going to be tough.

[Pavati]

Sober December!

I'm in, a day late but ready for the holidays alcohol free.

Skullbabyland, I have found that saying I'm trying to avoid gaining my usual holiday pounds or something has worked. Most people can relate to stress and overindulgence this time of the year.

Well, that worked until last Tuesday...

[Gardener]

Sober December!

You are so right Londoner - it is the "social season".

I've only had one 30 + day quit, so like you I am looking for really good advice.

I do well when I'm on my own, it is the social situations that throw me for a loop, and then once I cave in, it's like Byrdie has recently said, "all bets are off ", sort of like in that movie with Denzel Washington, Flight (if you've seen that movie). Then, I'm right back where I started, miserable and remorseful.

So, please Oldtimers, come forward and help us with suggestions for the social occasions coming up, especially those you just can't avoid, (like family and extremely close friends).

[skullbabyland]

Sober December!

In that movie Flight, is alcoholism a component of the story? I'm always interested to see how alcoholics are portrayed in movies etc.

[Gardener]

Sober December!

Oh yes Skull, you should see that movie - made me think about how my drinking was affecting my life, and this was before I ever tried to quit or found MWO. Very heavy message at the end, I recommend it for anyone with an alcohol problem.

[skullbabyland]

Sober December!

Cool I will check it out, thanks Gardner

[Wine-no!]

Sober December!

Hi Everyone
I am definitely going to watch Flight - thanks for the recommendation. Smashed is also a must-watch... Definitely shows booze for what it really is - a powerful, addictive drug.

[Gardener]

Sober December!

Heard of that movie Wine no, will def watch it.

[free at last]

Sober December!

Looking forward to an AF Christmas and New Year's -- my first in a long time.

[Samstone]

Sober December!

Better late than never? I'm in if you got the room, this is the drinking month and I don't want it!!

[NoraC]

Sober December!

Hey - still here with you. :h

[Pavati]

Sober December!

Hi, Everyone:

Just finishing Day 3 - thanks for your advice and support. This will be my first sober Christmas for a long time, too. I have (vague) memories of staying up drinking and wrapping presents from Santa and then waking up in a haze to watch them get opened. Happy that won't be me this year.

Free at Last - I finally watched the Brene Brown TED talk in your signature. THANKS! It hit home for me, and then I watched her next one on shame. My sister just gave me her book to read. I appreciate the connection.

Happy hump day, all.