How to stay sober at Christmas
Ahh, Christmas: a time of peace and joy for all, right? It also happens to be a time for family arguments, visits from people you don’t much care for and endless bullshit marketing messages. When everyone around you is going on and on about how wonderful wine is …
The alcohol illusion at Christmas
Sometimes I think the festive season should really be called ‘booze season’. From the beginning of December until the 1st of January, people go slightly bonkers in the name of celebrating Christmas. And as any sober person knows, where there is mass celebration…
How to survive the office Christmas party, sober
The festive season can be a tricky time for us sober folks. Of all the challenges at this time of year, the ultimate test has to be the office Christmas party. Let’s face it: making polite conversation with people you’ve fantasised about murdering …
How to navigate the messy middle
You knew it wouldn’t be easy. Nothing worth doing is ever simple, right? When you first set out to change your drinking, it felt like a new beginning. It felt good to be taking action and you embraced the uncertainty. In fact, it was exciting!
The art of being a sober rebel
I was on the train home on Friday, when a group of teenage boys sat down near me. They were trying to work out which one of them was most likely to get served, if they bought some beers from the local supermarket. I stole a couple of glances at the different members…
5 things to try this November
Whether you’re cutting back, stopping for good or taking a short break, it’s often the little things that make a difference. You just need one thing to click and everything else starts falling into place. Here are 5 things to try this month that will support your sobriety…
Why can’t I just have one?
How is it that one person can enjoy a couple of beers or a glass of wine and then go on with their life, whilst for others, it becomes a problem? I think this is something we’ve all wondered at times. Thoughts like ‘maybe I don’t really need to stop’ …
How do I cope with a partner who drinks?
Sarah writes: “I have found my main barrier to change has been my husband. When I announced I was going to stop drinking he was horrified. He doesn’t drink that much but he has no desire in stopping …”
Stars embracing sobriety
Sex And The City has a lot to answer for. For me, it wasn’t just a show; it was a bible on love, life and shoes. It was aspirational. In some ways, Carrie, Samantha and co were good role models; they were successful, feisty women who answered to no one and lived life to the full.
5 things to try this October
It’s October already! This means several things: 1. We’re into the last quarter of the year (where has 2015 gone?) 2. I’m going to have to put the heating on soon (or wear more jumpers) 3. I’ve already spotted some Christmas stuff in the shops (groan) 4. It’s my birthday tomorrow (eek…)
