Holiday Survival Handbook Covenant Behavioral Health

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Holiday Cheer

The holidays....a month-long period of festive parties, dinners, and social events. While the purpose of these events is to spread good cheer, they are often difficult for individuals with substance abuse problems. Maintaining your sobriety program becomes even more of a daily challenge during the holidays, and not just because of the abundance of party activities. Family pressures, unresolved conflicts, grief or sad holiday memories, and the holiday rush to get everything done tend to intensify and add to the struggle of remaining sober.

Recognize the danger of relapse and heed these suggestions to help avoid potential problem areas.

  • Make time for your meetings.
  • Don't procrastinate on your holiday shopping.
  • Set a budget for gift-giving.
  • Beware of unrealistic expectations.
  • Maintain a healthy diet and exercise program.
  • Count your blessings.
  • Seek out the company of supportive friends and family members.

Alcoholic or Social Drinker?

Are you or someone you love exhibiting signs of alcoholism?

  • Significant increase in the amount of alcohol consumed.
  • Black-outs -- an inability to recall events which occurred while drunk.
  • Secrecy about drinking.
  • Denial of drinking problems.
  • Depression.
  • Consistent, negative consequences due to drinking.
  • Paranoia -- a severe distrustfulness of others.
  • Relationship difficulties due to drinking.

Some people feel the need to drink to get through the holiday season. The underlying reasons and issues behind that need cause certain types of behavior.

  1. The need to appear as if everything in your life is fine, even when it is not.
  2. Repressed anger and hostility.
  3. Being a people-pleaser at the expense of your own needs.
  4. Problems dealing with the hectic holiday responsibilities.
  5. Financial problems.
  6. Confrontation with family members.
  7. Depression.
  8. Recent bad news or tragic event.

If any of these issues or behaviors ring true, you or your loved one may have a serious problem. Seek professional help before you suffer adverse emotional, legal, or medical problems.


Moderation is the Key for the Social Drinking

The holidays are a time of social festivities where alcoholic beverages are often served. Party-givers and party-goers can be sensible and responsible by following these suggestions.

-For the host/hostess:

  • Be a good host. True hospitality involves much more than supplying guests with food and drink. It is the obligation of the host and hostess to set the tone, direction, and pace of activities. Don't make drinking the focus of your event.
  • Don't start at the bar. Introduce guests as they arrive. The warmth that comes from greeting old friends and meeting new ones can exceed the warmth produced by alcohol. Good conversation is possible without a glass in hand.
  • Pace the drinks. Serve drinks at regular, reasonable intervals. The length of the interval will depend on whether the guests are enjoying the company more that the drinks. Make sure the glass is empty before offering a refill. Close the bar at least an hour before the party ends.
  • Provide non-alcoholic beverages. One out of three adults chooses not to drink alcoholic beverages. Respect an individual's decision not to drink. Offer a choice of beverages including fruit juices, soft drinks, tea, and coffee.
  • Serve food. Provide nutritious and appealing food. Food slows down the rate alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream and it slows the rate at which people drink.
  • Take responsibility for your guests. If someone does drink too much, arrange transportation or provide overnight accommodations.

-For the party-goer:

  • Set reasonable limits and stick to them. Decide before you go how much you will allow yourself to drink.
  • Eat. Eat food while you drink.
  • Pace yourself. Don't drink fast; sip for enjoyment. Focus on quality, not quantity. Accept a drink only when you really want it.
  • Designate a driver. At the beginning of an evening, decide who among you will stay sober and drive. Make other transportation arrangements if necessary.


Blood Alcohol Count: Intoxication Defined

Blood alcohol content (BAC) -- the percentage of alcohol in your blood -- is the standard measure for legal intoxication. In Tennessee, police can charge you with "driving under the influence" (DUI) with BAC levels of .10 percent or higher.
Your metabolism, food intake, personal tolerance, and activity level all influence your body's ability to absorb alcohol.


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