In This Newsletter Issue - Holiday 2011

1. Holiday specials
2. Follow us on Facebook
3. Holiday tips to stay clean and sober
4. Fun and Games - Contest Corner!
5. Call for newsletter contributions
6. About Our Newsletter / Take me off the list

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Although this article is written with the alcoholic in mind, these suggestions can be applied to most any addiction. Take what you like and leave the rest.

One of the most difficult times of the year for those recovering from alcoholism is the Christmas holidays.

If you find yourself struggling during the Christmas season, please remember that you are not alone. Help is only a phone call or a meeting away! Here are some helpful and practical tips to keep you from taking that first drink.

1. Plan Each and Every Day of Your Holiday
   Plan to spend the majority of your time with friends and family who are supportive of your recovery. If you are required to be present for a social gathering where alcohol is being served, bring a fellow AA member with you. Plan fun events and outings to replace your old drinking rituals.
2. Find an Alkathon in Your Area
   During the Christmas season, some AA groups hold a marathon of meetings called an Alkathon. It is a time when the members of Alcoholics Anonymous gather together to celebrate their recovery from alcohol addiction. Many AA groups have meetings on the hour every hour to share their experience, strength and hope. If you are a member of the fellowship or think that you might have a problem with alcohol, you are welcome to attend. Check the local papers for an Alkathon in your area.
3. Ask for Support from Your Family and Friends
   Those who are truly supportive of your recovery will be happy to help you throughout the holidays. Be up front and tell them your concerns.
4. Have a List of at Least Ten People you can call if you feel the Urge to Drink
   Make a list and check it twice. Carry your cell phone and your list of names at all times. The urge to drink is very powerful and can happen at any time.
5. Don't Forget about Regular Exercise
   Regular exercise is an essential component of any balanced recovery program. If you have extra time on your hands, it is a great idea to get out and exercise. Examples include running, skating, cross country skiing, stretching, yoga, Tai Chi, Pilates or water aerobics. Instead of napping on the couch after dinner, go for a walk around the block.
6. Stay Away from Slippery Places
   There is absolutely no reason to ever check out your former favorite drinking establishments. It is very likely that your old drinking buddies are still there and are still telling the same old stories.
7. Create New Traditions to replace your Old Drinking Patterns
   Try something totally different during the holidays. Buy a new board game; take the family on a sleigh ride; prepare a family power point presentation. Use you imagination, be creative and have fun.
8. Write out a Daily Gratitude List
   The quickest cure to get you out of the holiday blues is by counting your blessings. Be grateful for what you have by writing out a gratitude list every morning. Don't stop writing until you have at least 10 items on your list.
9. Volunteer your Services to a Charitable Organization
   There are many people in your community who are homeless and hungry. Why not volunteer to work at a soup kitchen or at a special Christmas dinner for those less fortunate than you? You will be helping not only the needy but yourself!
10. Write a Letter to yourself. How I Stayed Sober over Christmas.
    The act of writing your ideas on paper is very powerful. Write down all the activities and events that will help you have healthy happy sober Christmas. Now take action on them and make this letter come true!
11. Avoid H.A.L.T.
    H.A.L.T. stands for:
    Hungry
    Angry
    Lonely
    Tired
    There are very simple solutions for all of the above items. If you are hungry, get something to eat. If you are angry, talk to somebody about it. If you are lonely, go to a meeting or call a friend. If you are tired, get a good nights sleep.
12. Live One Day at a time and Enjoy your Sobriety!
    Stay in the moment. Have present time consciousness. Be in the now. These are all different ways of telling you to live 1 day at a time. Never mind about what happened or what could happen. Enjoy today. Live today. Celebrate your sobriety!

If you follow these simple steps, it is totally feasible to stay sober over the Christmas Holidays. Take action now! Print out this article and plan a Happy and Healthy holiday season.

Article published compliments of Addiction Recovery Basics.
Written by Larry Smith
http://addictionrecoverybasics.com

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Alcoholics Anonymous Trivia

1. Which one of Alcoholics Anonymous Co-Founders had a dog named ROGER?
   Bonus - What kind of dog was Roger?
   
2. Which Co-Founder Had Tattoos? Bill or Bob?
   Bonus- What were the tattoos?
   
3. Alcoholics Anonymous Gave The One Millionth Copy of the Big Book to Who?
   A: Elvis Presley
   B: Richard Nixon
   C: W.C Fields
   C: Richard Nixon
   
4. How Many Recovering Alcoholics Showed Up In Minneapolis For The Convention In 2000?
   A: 24,000 plus
   B: 47,000 plus
   C: 66,000 plus
   D: more than 75,000
   
5. How many members of A.A. were there when the first edition of Alcoholics Anonymous was published in 1939?
   A: Nobody knows
   B: 25
   C: 100
   D: Over 500

More Alcoholics Anonymous history can be found at these sites:

• Alcoholics Anonymous - Archives & History
• Silkworth.net
• Dick B's AA History
• AA-History.com
  

We are looking for contributors for upcoming Recovery Greetings newsletters. Our next holiday issue will need a boost of holiday cheer and celebration to close out the year.

OK. This is not a high paying gig. Contributors will get a plug, pat on the back and the satisfaction that comes with giving back to the recovery community.

Contact us at: newsletter@recoverygreetings.com

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