The Holidays Can Be Difficult

We have entered what I consider the Bermuda triangle for most alcoholics, addicts, compulsive eaters, and over spenders. Many of us are uncomfortable this time of year. Speaking for only myself, I do not like how the holidays are celebrated by many of us here in America. From now until after the Super Bowl, practicing any addiction to excess is not only accepted, in many circles it is encouraged.

There are those in recovery that can handle being around their families, keep the credit card balances in check, and come out the other side clean, sober and abstinate. Those folks have developed over time a way of living during the holidays that isn't much different than the rest of the year.

Many of have set limits on their spending. By limiting themselves to cash or keeping only one or two credit cards for larger purchases they can keep track of what is going out.

You might need to have a contingency plan in place if you are going to spend much time around the family you were born into. By that I mean to have a way to cope without being dependent on them. One woman recently spoke about visiting her family back east and having a meeting list and a rental car at hand. Another who was in the backwoods somewhere, called her sponsor at least once a day, sometimes twice or three times. What we need is a way to protect ourselves from the craziness.

Those with food or eating issues can establish boundaries with themselves around food before leaving the safety of their own homes. During the 2 years I did not eat sugar or chocolate I took fruit with me everywhere and always had my own beverages on hand.

Some of us have had to create our own holidays. Changing everything from the "family" we spend time with to the traditions of celebration we practice. I don't even like having sparkling cider around the New Year. Anything that reminds me of past drinking habits is dangerous. This Thanksgiving my non-alcoholic husband and I spent time at the local "alcathon." This counties Intergroup hosts 24 hours of meetings from 6p.m. Thanksgiving eve to 6 p.m. Thanksgiving day. We took fixings for turkey and ham sandwiches to share with others in the fellowship. It felt really good to be able to do something for others instead of eating a huge meal by ourselves. Bonus is being able to spend time with others who understand how it feels for me around this time of year.

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