How to Celebrate the Holidays if They Are Sober or Not

I never felt lonelier or more of a mess than at holidays while loving someone suffering from addiction. I have kept it super simple today with one helpful trick to try.

I really appreciate you sharing our safe and confidential community with your friends and family. It’s been an honor writing about this subject for over a decade - thank you for continuing to trust me.

It’s almost 4th of July. And for most of us who live in America, that means loving someone who has extra excuses to drink or partake in addiction. 

While everyone around is dressed in red, white, and blue, wearing big smiles and having a great time - we are counting the hours until this “celebration” is over. 

Our secret? Holidays are usually heartbreakingly disappointing. 

We compare ourselves to all the “normal” families and think - where did we go wrong? Why can’t we have a fun time without fighting or embarrassment over their addiction? 

It’s lonely loving someone struggling with addiction. 

So what do we do? 

Do we continue to feel so out of control that our insides feel like they’re trying to claw out of our bodies? 

Do we stay paralyzed with fear, unable to have any fun? 

Do we burn with resentment because loving someone struggling with addiction makes life so difficult? 

Are we just helpless victims of this disease? 

Absolutely not. 

Here's one simple trick you can do that will help you feel strong and steady during all the "celebrations."