From Buddy T,
Your Guide to Alcoholism.
FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now!

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by Steven Gans, MD

Visitors to the About.com Alcoholism Forum were asked to share their personal experiences in maintaining sobriety during the holiday season. Their replies provide helpful tips for those who may be struggling to stay clean and sober through the temptations of the holidays.

Pete D's Holiday Tip

My name is Pete and I am an alcoholic. Sober today by the Grace of God. I'm very grateful for my sobriety and each day I become increasingly grateful.

Maintain Daily Contact

My sobriety date is 5/29/71 and I no longer struggle with the inner war of sobriety. I am however very aware that the struggle can return unless I maintain my daily contact with AA and thus my God. Over the years I've had many slips, but by God's grace I haven't taken a drink.

I believe the most vital thing I have done today is accept God's Grace into my life. "Of myself I am nothing, the father doeth the work."

I Started to Enjoy Life

I remember the first few holidays, a real tough time, just went to a lot of meetings and rode it out. As I became more engrossed in trying to live the AA way of life, I started to enjoy life and got out of myself.

Today each day (holiday or no holiday) is as good as I care to make it. One of the first Thanksgivings I was sober I invited some new AA friends for dinner at our home, it was one of the best Thanksgivings we ever had be -- cause we shared. Sobriety is never a struggle if we give it away.

-- Pete D.

More Holiday Tips