Staying Sober During Christmas/Advent

Many of us who live with mental illness also wrestle with substance abuse.  Fortunately, I've been straight for a good while now.  I won't share how long as there have been times of relapse.  Let's just say it has been a good long while and I feel good about that.

I love the holiday season.  I'll call it the Christmas season even though technically it is Advent.  Ever since childhood I've loved the colorful lights, cheerful and sappy music, and decadent cookies.  In fact, my favorite cookies are Christmas cookies!  Most Christmas seasons in my adult life were "seasoned" with drugs.  I find that I miss the drugs during this season.  It is not due to sadness or loneliness.  Rather, it is because my associations with Christmas are filtered through drugs.  It is important during this time for me to be vigilant in keeping weekly appointments with my counselor.  It is important to be good to myself.  

What do you have planned to help you stay sober this Christmas season?  Make a plan.  Don't do it alone.  Mostly, remember that God loves you.  Jesus Christ is with you whether you feel his presence or not.  He may not take your cravings away, but he will stay by your side.  Nobody loves you like Jesus.  He doesn't reject you when you relapse.  He is there when you are weak and when you are strong.