Home » » Alcoholism » Christmas and The Female Alcoholic

Christmas and The Female Alcoholic

© Jo Murphy

Christmas is a very trying to time for any alcoholic. There are always extra stresses and temptations. I believe though that it is extra especially trying for the female alcoholic. Whether a woman is married with children, single or in a relationship, there will always be nurturing, feminine family roles and expectations placed on you.

Over the Christmas period I would like these discussion boards to be available to alcoholic women who need support and encouragement through out the festive season.

I would like to hear your ideas about...

• how to avoid or deal with craving at these 'trigger times',
• how to cope more easily with family expectations,
• perhaps even tips or tricks on how to save money
• how to have a great time with the family without stresses, relationship strain or family arguments

I am particularly eager to hear about your relapse prevention plans.

What are the strategies you will be putting in place to make sure the emotional triggers, festive feelings and normal added extra strains such as tiredness put on your resolve not to drink alcohol? How do you plan to cope with memories and old familiar situations that always pop up at these times?

I will post new suggestions here frequently throughout the Christmas break but for starters here are some ideas for you to think about and comment on.

Here is a quick checklist for you to keep beside you this Christmas. HUNGRY, ANGRY, LONELY and TIRED

A well thought out relapse prevention plan predicts problems that might occur. The plan is full of survival strategies so that negative consequences are avoided and old temptations don't lead you back into drinking. I highly recommend that each woman keep a journal through out this Christmas period. If at all possible journal in it every day. Record each temptation as it happens and look closely at the strategies you use to beat the Christmas blues. If you come up with techniques other women might find useful - share them with us. I would be grateful and look on it as a Christmas gift from you.

A technique for journaling.

In your journal think back to last Christmas...

• Did you have a bust?
• If so what lead up to it.
• What will you do differently this year?
• If you did not bust did something make the festive period more difficult for you then usual?
• If so what was it?
• If you are a true veteran of the Sobriety Mob and have your survival strategies mapped out pretty well by now, still journal it through. Sometimes women think that they have it all under control and forget that the disease is 'cunning, baffling and powerful' - still stay alert this Christmas.

Once you have these kinds of information, ideas and suggestions written in your journals I hope you share them here with us on the boards.