A DUMBARTON-based alcohol charity have put together a survival guide for non-drinkers in the run up to Hogmanay.

Chief executive Mags Mackenzie and her colleagues at Dumbarton Area Council on Alcohol (DACA) put together some tips on keeping yourself on plan if your goal is a sober festive season.

Ms Mackenzie said: "We provide community-based support to anyone in the area who is experiencing harms from alcohol. Most often, we support people who have struggled to keep control of their drinking at some point, and many of those people take control back by opting to have an alcohol-free life.

"But the festive period can be tricky for non-drinkers. There are family gatherings, social events and parties to navigate, and alcohol is often abundantly available."

Here is DACA's "New Year Survival Guide for Non-drinkers": 

1. Don’t believe the hype

Hogmanay is just another night. Try not to get sucked into the hype around these occasions, which would have you believe it’s impossible to celebrate the event without alcohol. Take this for what it is: marketing hard-sell.

2. It’s okay to say no

If you really feel that your sobriety will be put at risk by attending an event or a party, then put your recovery first and sit this one out. True friends and loved-ones will understand. Why not suggest a safer alternative for a catch up – like a healthy walk or a blether in a coffee shop?

3.Time for sharp exit?

If you find yourself in a situation where you’re struggling to stay safe, it’s quite already to give your apologies and slip away. If you’re not comfortable saying why, you can always say you have taken unwell or have a headache. Get yourself away from the risk and then work your usual relapse prevention plan, whatever that is.

4. Stick to your programme

All the things you’ve done to keep yourself sober don’t suddenly go out the window because it’s the festive season. Whether you use a goals-based approach/visualisation, a cognitive based philosophy, diversionary activities, peer support or anything else – keep doing what you’ve been doing so far. 

5. Plan ahead

If you’re going out to a party, make sure you’ve got a really great alcohol-free carry-out to bring along – just in case the party host has overlooked non-drinkers. Treat yourself to a luxe option – maybe some alcohol-free spirits and fancy tonic, if that’s your thing. Be vigilant about keeping your own glass so you don’t’ accidentally lift an alcoholic drink and take a swig. Take ownership of your choices and feel proud of them. Don’t let anyone "sober shame" you and don’t ever apologise for being a non-drinker.

6. Phone a (sober) friend

If you’re part of a fellowship or recovery community, or even if you just have one or two sober friends, make sure that you’ve got good lines of communication with them in case you find yourself in trouble and need to talk it through. Always remember that you’re not alone; there are thousands of sober allies out there. 

DACA will be open between now and Friday,  December 31 and open again on Wednesday, January 5.

For more information and advice call on 01389 731456 or 0141 952 0881.