Getting Sober During the Holidays continued
That cozy atmosphere is not what the newcomer usually has just after joining Alcoholics Anonymous and completing Step One. Healing takes time for BOTH sides. But first, the alcoholic should focus on stabilizing her, or his, life. That requires shelter, food, and a place to sleep, otherwise known as, “Three hots and a flop”. It is implied that the hots, and flop, is in a shelter, whether it is a jail, tent, barn, half-way house, or sometimes, a relative’s house. Those basic needs being met (when combined with Alcoholics Anonymous and a sponsor) are essential for your successful entry into a life without alcohol.
Getting a job is another part of stability. For some, it is the first thing to do. For others, it is the next thing to do. For me, I started with low paying jobs and worked my way up into better paying positions, with more benefits. Whatever your profession is, or your capabilities and skills, will determine the kind of work you will look to do. However, your history with alcoholism will have an effect on what work you will be able to get. For example, arrested for DUI? Not good if you were a truck driver. Even less, if you were a school bus driver, or, an airline pilot. These professions may need all sorts of paperwork and references for re-instatement. But until then, being gainfully employed in a job (a related field or occupation, if possible) is needed to keep you stabilized, and on the mend, with family, friends, and employers.
Having good credit is a necessity for most people, like those who want to buy a car or a house. The great news is that, if you have been working steadily, you are addressing that need, too. In fact, several other needs are also being covered.
The most important thing you can do during this early period of sobriety is this: you have is must make time to go to meetings, find a sponsor who will guide you through the Steps, and meet new people who are sober. You should be having regular talks with your sponsor, on the phone, and in person.
As you continue your ongoing (never ending) recovery, your sponsor can help you to pick the time and the way to contact your family, friends and others for making amends. Your sponsor’s response will be based on what you have told him, and where you are in the Steps. It is up to you, to be truthful and do the things that will stabilize your life. It does not help to be hungry, standing in the rain, with no money. Your motivation is to keep that from becoming a reality.
If you choose to be a functional part of family and friends during the holidays, your sponsor and new A.A. friends will give you many helpful tips for keeping safe if seeing family and old friends triggers a desire to drink.
Mike C