DON’T DRINK –

March 14, 2022 – The No. 1 rule, according to Ginger Blair, LMSW and Certified Addictions Counselor with more than 40 years of experience in behavioral medicine, is this: Plan, plan, plan.

“Communicate with your travel partners ahead of time about your parameters and boundaries,” she says. 

Blair recommends working out codewords and agreements. My wife and I have a code we call Green Light, Yellow Light, Red Light when we’re out in situations where others are drinking: Green means good, yellow means I’m reaching my limit, and red means let’s go. That leads to the next piece of advice: “Always have an escape route.” 

Know when and how to leave a situation that challenges your sobriety.

Always have your own key to the place you’re staying.

Keep a snack and drink with you as a diversion if you feel a compulsion.

And remember that no matter where you are or who you’re with, it’s OK to say no.

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