Christmas without alcohol: finding hope when the festive season feels difficult

Christmas is often presented as a time of celebration, but not everyone looks forward to it. Loneliness, difficult relationships and pressure to drink can make the season difficult. Help is available.

Alcoholics Anonymous holds meetings every day on the Costa del Sol. Shelly and Alex share how they found recovery.

Shelly, 52, began drinking as a teenager. Alcohol and drugs gradually became part of a life marked by blackouts, unhealthy relationships and shame. After a frightening night she could not remember, she went to her first AA meeting. “I couldn’t stop crying. Everyone was so lovely and normal. I knew I wanted to come back.”

With meetings, a sponsor and the Steps, Shelly changed her lifestyle. She has not had to lose friends who drink normally; instead, sobriety has given her more time to enjoy friendships and the people she loves. Today, she says, life is “100 times better”.

Alex, 58, is a retired public servant. After 16 years of active alcoholism and misery, he went to rehabilitation following an ultimatum from his employer. He found AA there, although his journey included relapse and further rock bottoms. His sobriety date is 26 July 2010.

“I go to AA now to stay stopped,” he says. Regular meetings, the Steps, prayer, gratitude and service help him live with himself, God and others “in peace and acceptance”.

Christmas does not have to revolve around alcohol, and support is available throughout the year. Shelly’s advice is to give AA a chance. Alex encourages anyone struggling to arrive with an open mind.

There are meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous, with friendly people who will understand, held daily throughout the Costa del Sol. Meetings are free to attend, and anyone who thinks they may have a problem with alcohol is welcome. Call the English-speaking AA helpline for support: +34 600 379 110 or visit the website www.aacostadelsol.com for help and information.