It's the holidays--Christmas and New Year's--some of the hardest times of the year to stay sober--especially at a party. And chances are, every December, you get invited to multiple Christmas or New Year's events. Is it actually possible to hang out with your friends and not drink? If you're in recovery (or just don't want to drink), consider some of these helpful tips for staying sober at a party. (By the way, these tips aren't time sensitive--you don't have to use them just during the holidays; they'll actually work any time you're invited to a party.) See the infographic at: http://www.duffysrehab.com/blog/ten-tips-to-stay-sober-at-a-party-infographic

2. 1
Bring a sober friend
to support you during the party.

3. 2
Carry a soda
so people don’t offer you a drink.

4. 3
Have an escape route
planned or an excuse to leave early.

5. 4
Carry inspirational quotes
that can mentally encourage you.

6. 5
Put your sponsor
on speed dial
and don't hesitate to call them.

7. 6
Bring your own car
so you're not stuck waiting for someone else to leave.

8. 7
Keep the Big Book
in your car
for when you need some mental clarity.

9. 8
Don’t miss A.A. meetings
so you can keep focused on your sobriety.

10. 9
Limit your commitments
and reserve the right to say no to holiday get-togethers.

11. 10
Stay healthy
by getting plenty of rest & exercise.