With the holiday season fast approaching, all of us in recovery need to be extra cautious. For many, this can be the most challenging time of the year: for some it is the parties and social gatherings where alcohol will be served; for others it is stressful family get-togethers; and still for some it is the change of routine - perhaps having 10 days off work with nothing to do to fill in the time.  And for many, especially in early recovery it is a time of loneliness.  Whatever the potential triggers may be it is critical that we avoid them or do what we can to manage them to ensure we do not relapse.

Here are some suggestions to help you enjoy the holiday season and stay on track with your recovery program:

Stay connected. This is a time to stay in constant contact with your sponsor and your support group. Find the time to go to more meetings, rather than fewer. If you are planning on going to a social event and have any concerns, call your sponsor beforehand and discuss strategies that will help you through it. Cedars alumni can always call their counselor or the centre for advice and support. You might want to make sure you always have a cell phone on you to make that call if necessary.

Avoid being alone. Isolation can be devastating for someone in recovery. If you can't be with your own family find someone in recovery or a trusted friend to spend time with and support you in your recovery. Doing volunteer work or helping others during this time can be a rewarding way to pass the time and feel good about ourselves.

Identify your triggers. What are the holiday season events or situations that you associate with excuses for drinking or using - family conflicts, financial pressure, parties, etc.? You may need to let people know that this year you are making different choices about how you plan to spend your time. Be sure to stay away from 'slippery places'.

Plan ahead. Before participating in any social events, think through each situation and what the challenges may be for you.  Keep in mind that some situations may pose a higher risk to you than others. It may be that you bring a friend who is also in recovery who can support you, or you have a contingency plan for leaving early if the situation feels uncomfortable.

Keep a dry house. You don't need to stock alcoholic beverages because it is the holidays. If you are hosting a get-together, let invited guests know you are not providing alcohol. If guests do bring beer or spirits, have someone else play bartender. At the end of the evening, send any leftover alcohol home with whoever brought it or have a trusted friend dispose of it.

Create new traditions. If you are new in recovery, talk with others in the program about what they are doing for the holiday season - perhaps there are some recovery group events you can participate in. If you typically went out partying on New Year's Eve, then maybe you host a quiet evening with nondrinking/using friends at home. Substitute champagne with sparkling water.

The holiday season is supposed to be a time of joy and togetherness. By working your recovery program, it is possible to have both. Keep in mind at all times that you do have a powerful support network as a result of your time at Cedars that you can call upon.

We wish you a wonderful, safe, sober and clean holiday season.