Celebrating Life DRUG AND ALCOHOL-FREE
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by Scott Althouse, Executive Director of Easy Does It, Inc. (EDI)
am a person in long-term recovery, free from the grips of drug and alcohol addiction since 2011. Alcohol used to be my daily companion, accompanying me to every family gathering, holiday, restaurant, sporting event, and other social activities. This addiction eventually consumed me to the point of rock bottom. After repeated efforts to get sober, a higher power intervened in my life and removed the obsession to drink. With the loving support of my family, sponsor, and circle of friends, my journey in recovery has been through the 12 steps. I have learned to love myself and once again enjoy life – drug and alcohol free. Having worked with hundreds of individuals in early recovery, the following are some of the common challenges and suggestions to navigate the holidays and a year of firsts, drug and alcohol-free. Our culture has tied in alcohol use with all types of celebrations from birthdays to holidays to sporting events. In the midst of football season and the holidays, it’s impossible to avoid the constant barrage of alcohol advertising that bombards our homes and devices. Alcohol manufacturers are masters of illusion with their glamourous portrayal of seemingly perfect people enjoying their perfect lives all while drinking alcohol with impunity. But obviously it is not only in the media where we encounter the glorification of alcohol. Alcohol consumption is deeply embedded in our culture, especially with sporting events, holidays, and other celebrations. Unless you have sat in section 217 at Lincoln Financial Field, it’s nearly impossible to attend an Eagles game without having to pass a beer to another fan. And when’s the last time you attended a holiday party or ate at a restaurant that didn’t serve alcohol? Persons in recovery are not immune from the cultural norms that glamorize alcohol use. While it’s certainly true that many people consume and enjoy alcohol responsibly, for persons in recovery it can be challenging to not get resentful, be tempted, or have a fear of missing out. The irony is that quite a few of us were never social drinkers to begin with and our own experience is far from the norm. We call this acceptance; it’s a process that takes time. Continued on page 24
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