Takeaway
Find a way to celebrate this holiday season that includes and validates those who may be in recovery.
Lifelong Learning in Clinical Excellence | December 8, 2023 | 1 min read
By Megan Gerber, MD, MPH, Albany Medical College
As we come together this holiday season it’s important to be mindful of those who may be challenged by alcohol use disorder (AUD.) Alcohol consumption increases significantly during Thanksgiving, and the days leading up to and after the holiday are also known for high alcohol use. Thanksgiving Eve is known as “Blackout Wednesday,” one of the busiest days for bars in the United States. Alcohol consumption at holiday gatherings also spikes on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and New Year’s Eve.
1. AUD is a chronic disease that requires ongoing behavioral and lifestyle modifications.
Those in recovery may avoid celebrations entirely. Consider having alcohol-free gatherings.
2. Don’t ask a sober person for permission to drink.
This puts them in a position to comfort the asker.
3. Offer to be a “sober buddy” at events, and plan events that don’t center around drinking.
Get creative and break the mold—host a paint night or organize outdoor caroling.
4. As a host, offer non-alcoholic drinks to create an atmosphere of inclusion.
Again, get creative and have appealing non-alcoholic options in well-labelled sparkly pitchers or bottles. Many festive non-alcoholic beverages can be mixed with a flourish and recipes abound.
5. If someone is newly sober, offer alternatives to the traditional holiday party, like a smaller gathering without alcohol or an activity together.
Find a way to celebrate this holiday season in a way that includes and validates those who may be in recovery and working to heal.
This piece expresses the views solely of the author. It does not necessarily represent the views of any organization, including Johns Hopkins Medicine.