Sue Madecky is founder of the Dave Gallup Foundation which provides support services to individuals in recovery. The organization engages in advocacy efforts to educate the public about addiction and recovery. She also runs a women-supported sober living home in Fort Atkinson. As a person with 28 years of recovery and experience with women in recovery, Sue shares “sober strategies” that can help people stay on their recovery path during the holidays.
She says people often have a “thinking problem,” not a “drinking problem. There are feelings that can lead to impulsive behaviors and trying to manage those feelings early on can help prevent the behaviors and outcomes. Recognizing the person, places and things that are triggering early on can help with prevention.
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- Some tips for staying in recovery over the holidays
- Going to meetings (find them at aa.org or na.org or In the Rooms)
- Finding a sponsor or sober person for support
- Being of service to others (help someone in need or volunteer)
- Making a gratitude list
- Self-care and asking for help
- Going to events with a sober partner
- Talking to someone before and after the event
- Have an exit plan if you need to leave
- Being careful of what you pick up and drink
- Making choices on what you think is the safest and best thing for you
- The holidays can bring about feelings of guilt and shame. Instead of focusing on the past, it’s helpful to focus on the present and what you can do now to make things better
- If you or someone you know would benefit from living in a sober living home for women, go to this website: DaveGallupFoundation.org and call the number listed on the website
- Some tips for staying in recovery over the holidays
