Surviving Christmas and the Holiday SeasonThis e-zine provides monthly tips and techniques to stop being addicted and help yourself or a loved one live a more powerful life. Intro Boundaries Show Support Alternatives Support Groups Time Support Network Giving Q &A Next Month:
“I'm not as think as you drunk I am.”
Mega Jones"
Whether you have an addiction or you’re a victim of an addict, these tips will help when the office parties, house parties, dinners and toasts have the potential of ruining the real spirit of the season. This month: Surviving Christmas and the Holiday Season Boundaries: Set strong boundaries. Family members of alcoholic/addicts, as well as the person in recovery must have strong boundaries, regarding what they need. You should not be threatened by someone’s dysfunction. Family members must tell all the guests that no substance abuse will be tolerated. If this is not done, you’re enabling substance abuse to continue. For the alcoholic/addict, boundaries must be just as strong. If you feel that there will be too much pressure at the event, don’t go. Show support: Don’t ignore an addiction problem as if it’s the ‘elephant in the room’. It’s okay to ask the person in recovery how they feel being around others who are drinking or anything else for that matter. Don’t pretend that the problem doesn’t exist. Alternatives: Always have a plan B. Alternative plans make you less vulnerable, if you’re having a problem. For example, if someone gets drunk or high at a Christmas party, plan B. can help you and your children handle it without anger and embarrassment. And if you are a child of an alcoholic or addict you are particularly sensitive to family dysfunction – so plan B is imperative. Support groups: if you’re a member of Al-Anon, you may need to reach out at the event. Take phone numbers. The same applies to the person in recovery. Phone numbers can be life-lines. Don’t bottle up your feelings. Talk to people who understand. A friend: If you feel uncomfortable about going to the event in the first place, ask if you can bring a friend. Friends can act as buffers in difficult social situations. Time Strategies: Spend less time at the party. Arrive late and leave earlier if necessary. Self-care: When we’re stressed, we usually don’t take care of ourselves. Make sure to eat well, exercise, meditate and do whatever it takes to stay calm and relax. This seems like a no-brainer, but we’ll take care of everything else and leave ourselves for last. Support Network:Don’t be shy. Talk about your concerns. If you’re in a support group, get in touch with a member before you leave and give them feedback when you return. Using the support of other will prevent you from obsessing about it and building anxiety. Talking relieves stress. Giving: When we celebrate holidays, giving is a wonderful way to celebrate and give back. This does not have to be expensive. You can give your time to help others, give home-made food etc. Find a personal way to get into the holiday spirit. If previous holidays have gotten you down, there’s no reason to think that this year will be different – not so. The people and the event will stay the same, but
Have a very happy holiday season!! Bev
Every time something stresses him out, he gets depressed and starts drinking. He has lost access to his children and gone to jail a few times because he becomes a violent drunk. I don t want to get back with this man, but I believe he can be rehabilitated. I believe that he has been over-looked by the system and he has not received any therapy. I am a Christian and have forgiven him for what he did to me, but I feel sorry for him. I heard that he has been having a difficult time in jail and two wrongs don’t make a right. My ex has not tried to contact me, but I honestly believe he was not in control of his mind when he attacked me. I am continuing to press charges for the sake of my children, who saw my face after the assault. These children are not his, and since I only saw him when they were with their father, they didn’t know that he was my boyfriend. They’re petrified. It wasn’t the first time he beat me, so I know that I’m doing the right thing by charging him, but I still feel guilty. Because of me, he lost his job, lost his apartment, lost his children and who knows if he’ll ever get back on his feet. How can I relieve my guilt? Sandi
First check if you really have a food problem
and don't take second helpings
Don’t skip meals. Eat healthy snacks during the day and here are more tips Understand your cravings by noting when you get them, and what you want to eat. Keep healthy snacks in your purse, in the fridge etc – just in case you need them Do positive things for yourself, so..... The less anxiety you have, the less you’ll need to comfort yourself with food.
Q My wife is clearly an alcoholic and I am a social drinker at home. I clearly want my wife to give up drinking, because she's not only damaging herself, she's also destroying our relationship. What can I do? Favio
A Your wife is an alcoholic and probably in denial. When an alcoholic is in denial, he/she believes that their problem is 'not that bad,' and that others drink too. When you take a drink (drunk or not) this confirms her twisted thinking To break the denial, have no alcohol in the house. This doesn't mean that your wife won't go out and get it, but it makes it harder, and her need to drink becomes more apparent. Another way to point out that her drinking has negative effects, is not to enable her When the partner doesn't enable, the alcoholic/addict has to suffer the consequences of their drinking behavior. This leads to arguments, but stay strong, telling her that she should stop drinking or get help. You can also try
counseling or coaching to change your thinking
Try a free 30 minute session and see if it's for you
Here's how to contact me
Say what's in your heart and when you do, others will relate and be helped as well. You can be anonymous, give comments & advice.
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