Steve Bennet-Martin
Steve Bennet-Martin
Sober Holiday Tips and Tricks from the Vault
Sober Holiday Tips and Tricks from the Vault
Sober Holiday Tips and Tricks from the Vault
Thursday 19th December 2024
Explore tips for staying sober during the holidays, from setting boundaries to finding community support, with host Steve Bennet-Martin.
Explicit
25 minutes
informative
hopeful
challenging
reflective
About this podcast
Author:
Steve Bennet-Martin
Overview:
Categories:
Sobriety Toolkit
Sexual Empowerment & Identity
Creative Recovery Journeys
Navigating Challenges in Recovery
Financial Health in Recovery
Links:
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Episodes:
238 (View all)
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Episode Overview
- Plan exit strategies for challenging situations.
- Set boundaries with family and friends.
- Identify and avoid personal triggers.
- Utilize support networks and online meetings.
- Celebrate sobriety milestones meaningfully.
Sobriety is one of the best gifts I shall ever receive.
In this insightful episode of gAy A, host Steve Bennet-Martin delves into the complexities of maintaining sobriety during the holiday season, a period that many find especially challenging. With 1300 days of continuous sobriety under his belt, Steve offers a wealth of personal experience and listener-contributed advice to help others navigate the festive season without alcohol. The episode begins with an acknowledgment of the heightened emotional expectations that come with the holidays.
Steve discusses how the pervasive marketing of this period as the 'happiest time of the year' can amplify feelings of inadequacy for those who do not share in this joy, particularly individuals in recovery. He highlights the potential triggers presented by family gatherings, where old dynamics can resurface, and workplace parties, where alcohol flows freely. Steve shares his personal strategies for dealing with these triggers, emphasizing the importance of setting boundaries and having an escape plan in place.
He recounts advice from listeners, such as simply leaving situations that become overwhelming and avoiding known triggers. One listener, Loris, suggests the importance of being prepared to exit uncomfortable situations, while Jay Dusty Grimes underscores the need to steer clear of triggers altogether. The episode also touches on the importance of community and support networks in sustaining sobriety.
Steve encourages listeners to participate in online meetings, which have become more accessible due to the pandemic, and to reach out to fellow sober individuals for support. He reflects on the gratitude he feels for his sober community and the personal growth he's experienced over the past 209 days. In a reflective moment, Steve draws attention to the positive aspects of sobriety, describing it as a gift that allows for personal development and a deeper understanding of oneself.
He shares how embracing his identity as an alcoholic has led to significant life improvements and a better relationship with himself. As the episode concludes, Steve offers practical advice for staying sober during the holidays: stick to the basics, prioritize self-care, and ensure you have a supportive network. He reassures listeners that they do not need a large group backing them, just a few key individuals who celebrate their sobriety.
Steve's message is clear: with the right tools and mindset, it is possible to not only survive but thrive during the holiday season without alcohol.