5 Tips for Navigating the Holidays if You’re Newly Sober

You would be surprised at the number of packaged and already cooked foods that contain small amounts of alcohol, including many specialty foods found in delicatessen or gourmet shops. Pure vanilla and almond extract, and some brands of Dijon mustard are examples. Marinara sauce with wine, whipped cream and even fruit cake can all pose problems. For many of us this is not an issue. Adding “a little something extra” can make any meal special, especially during the holidays.

Holiday celebrations and alcohol seem to go hand-in-hand for many, but for the 18 million Americans who have an alcohol use disorder the season might be a struggle, especially with the added stress that comes along this time of year.

If you're avoiding alcohol this holiday season, try one of these festive alcohol-free drinks.

St. Patrick’s Day, a wonderful celebration of Irish culture, is this Saturday. A time of family, friends and proud heritage. A day when even those of us not of Irish descent celebrate this warm and vibrant culture.