With New Year’s Eve celebrations almost upon us, you might be bracing for an ugly night of indulgence, your loved one overdoing it, imbibing under the cover of holiday cheer.

Please don’t put yourself in harm’s way.

If your partner is too drunk to drive, do all you can to stop them. Hide their keys. Get behind the wheel first. If you are unable, do not get in the car with them. Walk. Uber. Sleep at a friend’s house.

Please don’t surrender your social life for their addiction.

For those whose loved ones are shunning holiday parties and plan to ring in the new year in a drunken stupor at home, don’t let their self-inflicted isolation jeopardize the relationships in your life. While you might think it’s best to avoid a New Year’s party altogether, don’t deny yourself the fun and camaraderie of a get-together. I’ve gone solo to Christmas Eve gatherings at my brother’s home and dinners out with friends. ‘He’s not feeling well.’ It wasn’t a lie, my husband wasn’t well. By choice. And I wasn’t going to let his alcoholism ruin my Christmas. Though of course it did. His drinking impacted my holidays and every day of my life. But I tried to find some joy in each day. Being with family and friends was a great comfort, whether or not they knew my husband was an alcoholic. The holidays are a time of gathering. If you have an alcoholic in your life, you need others in your life, as well.

Stay safe. Be well. Keep your family and friends close.