For people aiming for sobriety, the holidays can be tricky. One woman says it can be navigated safely

The holiday season can mean alcohol flows freely at social events, something a Labrador woman says can be challenging for people trying to navigate it safely and stay sober.

Martina Lavallée of Happy Valley-Goose Bay, who marked seven years of sobriety on Dec. 18, said there are a number of steps people choosing to stay sober over Christmas or recovering from an alcohol addiction can take to ease the strain during the season.

"That is one of the things that when I was in my early recovery — when I felt I was more vulnerable than I am now to perhaps any triggers, any guilt or shame that may come up during any holiday events — is to have a plan in mind," Lavallée told CBC Radio's Labrador Morning.

That can mean being accompanied by a friend at parties, or leaving before people will be inebriated, she said.

"So perhaps around 10 p.m., I'm going to head out of the party," said Lavallée.

She said there should be no pressure put on people to disclose personal information, like being in the early stages of recovering from an addiction, than they are comfortable sharing.

"As difficult as it may be when folks do ask those prying questions — especially if you are choosing to not partake in any substances during the holidays — what you share is your decision."

'No' should be enough

It's also important for people hosting a party to respect someone declining an alcoholic drink and have alternative beverages, Lavallée said.

She pointed out there are now plenty of options available, like non-alcoholic beer and wine.

If someone is on an antibiotic or pregnant, they wouldn't be offered an alcoholic drink, she said, but if someone doesn't have such a reason, their refusal of a drink might be questioned.

"'No' should be enough. That should be a full sentence, and it is a full sentence," she said.

Lavallée said it can take a lot of personal strength for some people to set their boundaries, and that should be respected. She added if people feel pressured to drink alcohol, they might avoid future holiday celebrations.

Holidays can be hard

The holidays can also be a difficult time for people who are recovering from alcohol addiction, she said.

"There's so many other pressures that are associated with the holidays that folks are going through, whether it's financial pressures, loss of a loved one, you know, a disruption of routine because often people are off for the holidays," said Lavallée.

"And that could be a big change in the daily routine that may be associated with somebody in early recovery, specifically."

Whether someone has been sober for a short time or a decade, they can still be grappling with their recovery, she said.

"When we enter sobriety, it's not linear and nobody's journey is linear. It's not a straight line," said Lavallé. "There's ups and downs and what happens during the holidays can exacerbate some of those things that may come up."

If someone is going through a personal loss, whether that's the death of a parent or loss of a job, it can make the winter stressful when happiness is the focus, she said.

"It brings up and heightens those feelings of isolation as well, depending on what we're going through."

She advised people to change up traditions in order to avoid bringing up a negative memory or feeling, and urged people to look after themselves.

"It's so important how we take care of ourselves when we're alone and that prepares us for when we're able to be around other people, especially in situations that we would consider more high risk."

Self-care can also mean avoiding risk factors that could come up at an event, she added.

"Ensuring that you have a plan to be able to keep yourself safe and to practice that care for yourself," said Lavallée.

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