Christmastime is often full of love and laughter, but it can also be a difficult and stressful time, especially if you have recently stopped drinking. Alcohol is readily available everywhere, and with Christmas parties and gatherings in full swing, it can be difficult to avoid.

However, it is possible to remain sober over the festive season, and we've compiled some tips to help you:

1. Be realistic about what you can/want to do; start by making a list of why you want to be sober, and then use it to remind yourself of what you wanted to achieve. It can help you focus, especially on days when you're really struggling.

2. Stay off social media; as tempting as it might be, it's best to try to avoid any social media, as triggers and temptations will be everywhere.

3. Speak to others who are in recovery; the people that you have met in recovery will provide invaluable support to you in your own recovery, as you will all be able to relate to each other's experiences and offer advice and potentially different perspectives. It is also important to keep on attending your local recovery group. There are groups open every day throughout December, even on Christmas Day, so make sure you keep attending, even if you don't really feel like it.

4. Remember, it’s ok to say ‘no’; be it to a party, an event or even a drink, you can say 'no' (and you don't need to give a reason/excuse).

5. Replace addictions with healthy alternatives; a healthy activity, be it cooking a nourishing meal from scratch, joining a gym or even just going for a walk, would be a good, practical thing to do to help distract you from any cravings. Exercise, in particular, is an effective, natural way to release endorphins, and look after your body and mind all at the same time. It will not only make you feel better, but if you do it regularly, it can become a good focus and way of channelling your energies.

6. Avoid emotional drains; there will be people in your life who have their own issues, and as harsh as it may seem, you do not need to be distracted by them right now. You need to be focussing on yourself and your own health/recovery.

7. Recognise your triggers; if you know that a certain person/place/factor is a trigger then you can learn to avoid it/them, and so avoid being tempted to have a drink.

8. Plan ahead, where possible; if you know what events you've got coming up, then you can be better prepared for it, rather than being caught unawares and then suddenly panicking.

9. Take time for yourself; it's easy to get distracted by other things going on, but it is important to remember to look after yourself and make time to focus on yourself.

10. Let go of expectations; whilst they might not seem unrealistic to you, try not to hold on to expectations, as you don't want to be suddenly disappointed and left feeling let down by anyone/thing, as that could be a trigger for you.

11. Make the most of being with the family/friends you have; cherish and spend time with your loved ones, and enjoy making new memories together for you to look back on in the future.

12. Be grateful; remember to be grateful for everything - from this chance to be sober, to the friends and family you have, to the sun shining in the morning...

13. It is a marathon not a sprint; this is so important to remember. Your recovery and journey in sobriety will continue throughout your life, so do not try to rush it; take your time and recover properly and fully.

We wish you an enjoyable and peaceful Christmas.