With the holidays fast approaching, parties being planned and family on the road arriving at any moment, now is the time to prepare. Women in Recovery, especially those with substance abuse histories must take heed. There are many avenues to take that will offer a wholesome holiday with all the bells & whistles, without the pain and suffering of alcohol abuse of yesteryear.

A clean & sober holiday is a wonderful experience!

Being cognitive of possibilities is Key. Yes, we all think we are invincible and that nothing wrong can happen; yet, year after year, there are always incidents that do happen. Alcohol is one commodity that is almost impossible to avoid during this time of year; and it is our responsibility to become aware of all aspects of consumption, taking action to care for everyone in our homes, realizing the legal liabilities to hosting events serving these spirits and making sure that everyone enjoys a safe & joyous holiday.

With only 2 days to Christmas and less than a couple of weeks to our New Year festivities, we are sure that a good reminder won’t hurt. Do to the popularity of alcohol during all celebrations, it is imperative that we awaken to all possible accidents.

 

 

Tips from Fairbanks that will enable Freedom from the neo-classic Alcohol Mishap:

•At your holiday gatherings, offer plenty of nonalcoholic foods, drinks and activities.

•To lower the risk of alcohol poisoning, be sure to throw out partly empty alcoholic drinks. Children love to imitate adults, and if they have access to leftover drinks, they may taste the contents.

•Let your child know what you expect. Tell your child that adults may be drinking during the holidays but under no circumstances is he or she allowed to drink alcohol.

•Have a plan in place about what you and your family will do if you are at a party where there are people who have had too much to drink.

•Model responsible behavior by making sure that guests who have been drinking do not drive. Call a taxi or offer to have them stay overnight.

•For your holiday meal, prepare and serve traditional drinks without alcohol. You can make nonalcoholic cider, eggnog or punch.

•If your older child is going to a holiday event, call ahead to make sure that the event will be alcohol and drug free. Check in with the party planners to see what measures are in place to keep alcohol out.

•If your family has had a stressful year due to job loss, a death or other challenges, consider an alcohol free season. Alcohol is a depressant and may add to the stress.
  

If you have trouble controlling your alcohol consumption or know someone who does, make an appointment at Fairbanks for an assessment. You can talk to a counselor confidentially to determine how alcohol or drugs may be affecting your life or the life of a loved one.

Call Fairbanks at 317.849.8222.

 

 

CONTACT: http://www.fairbankscd.org/contact-us

Tips thanks to Fairbanks Rehabilitation: http://www.fairbankscd.org/

12 STEPS PROGRAM:  www.aa.org    

 

A Celebration of Women

wishes each and every Woman of our World a wonderful holiday filled with abundant joy and peace, with a New Year filled with only gains and no losses.

 

 

DRAMA FREE HOLIDAY: A Wonderful Article from Woman’s Day.

http://www.womansday.com/Articles/Family-Lifestyle/Holidays/Have-a-Drama-Free-Holiday.html