In attention of those from Newfoundland with drinking problems. There’s no graceful way out, your best friend’s getting married, your boss says the holiday party is mandatory, your mom expects you to play Santa on Christmas, like always. But now that you’re sober, you’re nervous about social functions where everyone will be drinking and expecting you to follow suit.

Yet, although it may seem intimidating to face a familiar social situation without the comforting familiarity of a cocktail in your hand, you can survive. Try these tactics to get through your holiday season with minimal worry and no alcohol.

* Plan Ahead – Most people go into drinking situations cold, which leads to problems. Picture yourself arriving at the party, getting a non-alcoholic beverage, eating appetizers, and steering clear of the bar area. Focus on conversations and catching up with friends, not your desire to drink. Have the phone number of a supportive, sober friend to call if you feel tempted. And decide how long to stay before you even step in the door; you may want to leave before everyone gets buzzed.

* Know How to Say No – Practice turning down a drink beforehand so you’ll sound confident at the event. Look them in the eye, say it very firmly, and try not to leave an opening for argument or discussion. Just say, “No thanks, I’m laying off it tonight,” and if they press, simply say, “I feel like getting healthier.” The word “tonight” can be powerful when turning down a beer. Some people may pry if you say that you never drink. Maybe tonight you are the designated driver, have to wake up early tomorrow, or are taking cold medicine, keep them guessing.

* Avoid Triggers – Maybe you always downed a six-pack while watching football with the guys, so it’s challenging to get through a Super Bowl party sober. Or you always drank when you smoked socially, so being offered a cigarette at a party might make you crave liquor. Any activity that you’ve closely paired with alcohol in the past may trigger the desire to drink. Turning down a cigarette, an invitation to a Super Bowl party, or another problem activity can help you avoid high-risk situations. You can also always attend an alcohol treatment in Newfoundland.

We strongly recommend to everyone reading this article to stay out of alcohol abuse, however, for those living in Newfoundland, if you or someone close to you have problems with alcohol addiction, we suggest you to visit Drug rehab centers.