STAYING SOBER DURING THE JUBILEE WEEKEND

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Whether you're donning your fake crown and excited for your street party, or have little interest in the Jubilee celebrations, the long weekend is bound to bring with it some tricky temptations. 

You could lock yourself in your room for the duration, but that doesn't sound like much fun at all! 

Instead, take a deep breath and remind yourself of how far you have come in your recovery - 'just one' drink (or your substance of choice) is simply not worth it. Our inner addict will no doubt try to persuade us otherwise, but remember - Our thoughts are not instructions. We do not have to listen to them and we definitely don't have to do what they tell us!




Here are some simple, but effective tips to help you get to Monday sober and free!

1. PREPARE YOUR MINDSET 

This one is so simple, it seems too good to be true. But I do this every time I venture out to a party, dinner or anywhere that alcohol is an option. 

Take a few moments to ground yourself before you go out (or have people over). If you use meditation, then this is an excellent time to use it - repeat to yourself with intent that you will not drink (or drug) today and that even if the opportunity arises you will simply say no. 

No second thoughts, no self-talk that you can just have one, take it off the table entirely, accept your decision and move on with your day.

Often, I also take a moment to visualise myself getting home sober and proud after the event, reminding myself that waking up the next day fresh and hangover-free is one of the best parts of sobriety. 

Repeat after me: I WILL NOT DRINK / USE DRUGS TODAY 


2. KNOW YOUR RED FLAGS 

All dressed up and ready to go out, but feel really unsure of your ability to avoid temptation? Even with grounding and self-preparation, do you know in your heart you are vulnerable to a potential relapse?

Honestly, it may be worth considering cancelling your plans. There will be other weekends but it isn't worth putting your recovery at risk for the sake of saving face. No one likes FOMO, but sometimes putting our sobriety first means that sacrifices have to be made. 

If you find yourself in this situation, be kind to yourself. Accept that you have made the decision to put yourself and your recovery first and that is ok! I have cancelled plans right at the last minute on more than one occasion and have never regretted it. And anyone who truly values you and your recovery will understand.

Be sure to do something nice for yourself and to congratulate yourself for making a positive choice for your health and your recovery.

Remember that relapse doesn't happen at the time of picking up, but before then. So bear this in mind if you are feeling less than tip-top or are having anxiety or doubts - listen to your instincts. They are usually right. 


3. USE YOUR PROGRAM 

Have a program? Use it! My weekend AA meetings are firmly in the diary, and I have planned my social plans around them (not the other way around!)  

If you have a sponsor, make sure you check in with them and if you don't, make use of your sober support network and friends. 

Why not get together with your sober friends and have a no-booze social? 


4. LEAVE ON YOUR TERMS 

If you do make it to the party, all the power to you! 

Take a moment to check your exits and have a strategy to simply leave if that's what you need to do.

Trust me (and I mean this with love) - once the drinks start flowing and the guests are merry, it's unlikely anyone will notice until you are homeward bound for your bed and a good night's sleep. 

I often get to socials fairly early so I can spend time with people while they are also relatively sober, and make no apology for taking my leave when I find myself having to repeat myself, or when Debbie starts slurring at me over her 8th cocktail that she wants to leave her husband. Time to go! 


5. GIVE YOURSELF A HIGH 5

Picture this - it's Monday and you made it! (unlike Jeff in accounts, who looks slightly green around the gills)

Holidays are hard but with some preparation, belief in your recovery, and by taking it one step at a time, navigating them gets easier with time and experience. 

You deserve to give yourself a really big high 5 and you definitely get one from me. NICE WORK!




PICKED UP? DON'T FRET

Slips happen but never fear, you can always get back on track with a little support. Recovery is not always a linear process.

The most common thing I hear when someone has relapsed is that they feel ashamed. This shame serves no purpose and only sets us back in getting back out from under a relapse and back on to the road of recovery. 

Be accountable for your actions, and honest about having relapsed, but try and spend as little time as possible self-shaming. You can accept that you slipped, talk to another person about it, and decide to move on from that moment with the knowledge that you have tools and experience now that you did not before. 


Whatever you are doing (or not doing) to celebrate the Jubilee, have fun and be awesome!


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