Now is the time of year when some of my clients want to talk about Christmas.

As a specialist in addiction, many are seeking my help for their drinking.

Christmas can be synonymous with alcohol. For clients looking to get sober, reflecting on what a sober Christmas might look like, and whether it’s even possible to achieve, is important.

One client, Peter*, was planning to host 20 relatives for Christmas. Traditionally his family drink from breakfast until bedtime on Christmas Day. Peter was feeling anxious about what they might say if he stuck to soft drinks. He feared being pressed to have alcohol or becoming the butt of everyone’s jokes. Even worse, he dreaded feeling left out of the fun and spending Christmas Day feeling ashamed and sorry for himself.

Peter’s concerns are common. But people who struggle with alcohol, contrary to expectations, usually find........

© The Guardian