Embracing the Power of Choice: Reframing My Relationship with Drinking at Christmas Time

I’ve been sober for three years, but terribly miss drinking at Christmas time. Then I remind myself of the profound idea that’s changed my life: There’s no such thing as ‘just a glass’

As Christmas approaches, many of us are tempted to reach for a festive drink or two (or ten). But for me, this time of year is particularly challenging. It’s been three years since I’ve had a sip of alcohol, and while I’m grateful for the journey I’ve been on, the holiday season can be a real test of willpower.

As someone who has struggled with addiction in the past, I know that it’s easy to fall into old habits when we’re surrounded by triggers like social gatherings and festive cheer. But it’s precisely during these moments that I have to remind myself of a profound idea that has changed my life: there is no such thing as ‘just a glass.’

It may seem counterintuitive, but this concept has been a game-changer for me in my journey towards sobriety. When we think about alcohol as just something we enjoy with friends or at parties, it’s easy to underestimate its power and the impact it can have on our lives.

But I’ve learned that every drink is a choice – not just a mindless indulgence. And if we’re honest with ourselves, it’s rarely ever ‘just a glass.’ It’s usually a response to stress, anxiety, or an attempt to fit in or impress others. In my case, alcohol was often a crutch for managing my emotions and avoiding the discomfort of awkward social situations.

When I say there is no such thing as ‘just a glass,’ what I mean is that every drink has consequences – whether it’s impairing judgment, affecting our relationships, or putting us at risk of developing an addiction. It’s easy to get caught up in the holiday cheer and justify having just one more, but the truth is that those drinks can quickly add up.

For me, this idea has been a turning point. It’s helped me to reframe my relationship with alcohol and see it not as something I do for fun, but as something that can have real consequences on my life.

It’s not about being perfect or never having a drink again – it’s about recognizing the power of our choices and taking control over them.

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