Updated November 30, 2014.

Visitors to the About.com Alcoholism Forum were asked to share their personal experiences in maintaining sobriety during the holiday season. Their replies provide helpful tips for those who may be struggling to stay clean and sober through the temptations of the holidays.

Anonymous Holiday Tip

I lived with the book "Living Sober" for seven years. It offered me very helpful suggestions in some very tricky situations.

I learned that no one cares if I'm drinking or not and that what I carried in my glass was rarely noticed by anyone. At first I had the usual questions and fears about social activities like, what do I drink and what do I say, etc. I was one of those people that learned to say "Not right now, thank you".

The Holiday Hype

The holiday hype is just another world situation that we have to deal with and with peace and serenity in our lives, it just happens. We must remember that in times of hype and high stress, it's okay to withdraw and quiet our insides until we feel strong again. It took me awhile; it is not an overnight accomplishment. It takes time and that's okay too.

They Won't Care

We first have to learn to take care of ourselves and that's not selfish. It's self preservation and growth. We can't give to others what we do not have ourselves and I can't be carried on the whim of other people especially when I realize that at the other end, I will be left with whatever has been created by the situation and the other person probably won't be there nor will they care about my insides or about the level of my peace and serenity.

Be in Balance

If I let myself go off the deep end because of people, places, and things, who is there to catch me? No one. Except, GOD. If my life is right with God then me and God can handle anything.

Don't let life be controlled by any person or thing or whatever. Be in balance with things as they happen and let you soul be with the Lord and nature and things will work for the good.

-- An anonymous alcoholic

More Holiday Tips