CAUDS Corner Holiday 2024
Season’s Greetings! As we approach the end of another year, we want to take a moment to wish all of you a happy holiday season and new year! We hope this time brings warmth, rest, and meaningful moments with loved ones.
Navigating the Holidays with Balance and Care
The holiday season is a joyful time, but it can also bring challenges for those managing alcohol use, as well as for families with loved ones who may be struggling. Here are 7 practical tips to help you and your loved ones navigate the season with care and intention.
1. Create Alcohol-Free Zones
If you’re hosting, make sure to offer a variety of non-alcoholic options, such as festive mocktails, sparkling water, or hot cider. A warm, inclusive environment encourages everyone to feel welcome without pressure.
2. Support Loved Ones
If a family member is struggling, treat them with compassion. Avoid drawing attention to their choices and focus on creating a supportive, judgment-free environment.
3. Plan Ahead
Before attending events, decide whether you’ll drink and set clear boundaries for yourself. Consider bringing your own non-alcoholic beverage to ensure you have a satisfying option.
4. Be Mindful of Triggers
The holidays can be emotionally charged. If stress, family dynamics, or social pressure are triggers, have strategies ready: a friend to call, an exit plan for overwhelming situations, or a moment to step outside for fresh air.
5. Practice Self-Care
Take time for yourself. Whether through exercise or mindfulness practices, prioritize your well-being and recognize your limits.
6. Reframe the Holidays
Focus on creating traditions that don’t centre around alcohol. Outdoor activities or hosting a holiday breakfast are great ways to celebrate without the need for a drink.
7. Know Where to Find Support
The holidays can be isolating for those managing alcohol use. Reach out to supportive groups or helplines if you need assistance. Remember, you’re not alone.
For more resources see: https://helpwithdrinking.ca and https://www.cauds.org/patient-and-family-resources
Celebrate the Season by Supporting Positive Change
As the holidays approach—a time that can be especially challenging for individuals and families affected by alcohol use—your support is more important than ever. A donation to CAUDS helps us provide community workshops, clinician resources, and support networks to those in need.
Every gift, no matter the size, makes a difference. Contributions are eligible for a tax receipt, so you can make a meaningful impact while also planning your year-end giving.
Together, we can create a culture where no one feels alone in their struggle with alcohol use.
Donate Now and help us make this holiday season a little brighter for those who need it most.
Thank you for your generosity!
Take the Almost Dry January Challenge!
Would you like a healthier relationship with alcohol? Follow us on Facebook for a month of tips designed for people who want to cut back, but not necessarily stop drinking altogether.
Even though it’s still the holiday season, you can start planning to achieve your New Year’s goal to drink less. Visit here for our Tips for Planning Ahead.
Webinar: Evidence-Based Care with Dr. Evan Wood
On January 29, Dr. Evan Wood, Professor of Medicine at UBC and Canada Research Chair in Addiction Medicine, will lead a webinar addressing national guidelines for managing alcohol and other substance use disorders. This session will highlight evidence-based alternatives to medications shown to be ineffective or harmful, offering actionable insights for clinicians.
This event is hosted by the UBC Therapeutics Initiative. Learn more and register here.
Poster Contest for Youth!
Interior Health is inviting youth in grades 6-12 across the Interior Health region to enter their Beyond the Buzz poster contest. This is an opportunity for young people to creatively raise awareness about the health risks and societal impacts of alcohol use, focusing on the theme: "The Silent Damage of Alcohol".
Youth can submit original artwork—whether it's a poster, illustration, or infographic—by December 19, 2024. The winners will receive a $150 gift card, and their artwork will be professionally printed and shared across Interior Health’s communication channels, including within their school districts.
For complete details and to enter, visit Interior Health’s Beyond the Buzz page.
Spotlight on Community: Kamloops
We’re thrilled to announce the launch of a new community engagement program in Kamloops in partnership with the United Way. The program kicked off November 25th with a meaningful workshop at Moccasin Square Garden, where participants gathered to explore various aspects of AUD, including public health approaches, local care options, and treatment within primary care settings.
The event also included powerful stories from peers, offering firsthand insights into the challenges of AUD and the importance of community support. The discussions were inspiring, as attendees shared ideas and began collaborating on initiatives that will foster a healthier culture around alcohol and build a more supportive community.
Spotlight on Community: South Okanagan
At this year’s Festival of the Grape, the South Okanagan’s largest wine festival, our partners at Desert Sun hosted a much-needed water station, distributing free hydration to over 300 festivalgoers - an especially appreciated gesture given the event’s lack of water stations and costly bottled options.
Desert Sun also shared handouts with important information about AUD, including where to find help and resources, along with creative mocktail recipes.
CAUDS wants to recognize Desert Sun’s initiative as a great example of promoting responsible drinking at an industry event, while also providing valuable awareness and essential resources.
We would like to extend our gratitude to the BC Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions for their generous support of our work. With their funding assistance, we are able to expand advocacy for alcohol use disorder to be treated as a health condition. This understanding allows AUD and its treatments to be approached with compassion and renewed hope for those affected.
You can read the full press release here.
Thank you!
Interested in learning more? Check out our Annual Report, Resources, Stories of Hope, Videos and much more!
