Why Your Drinking Feels Worse During the Holidays — And What You Can Do About It
The holidays have a way of amplifying everything — joy, stress, expectations, nostalgia, loneliness… and yes, drinking.
If you've been worried that your drinking feels heavier this time of year, you're not imagining it. December can push every emotional button you have. And if alcohol has been your go-to way to cope, the combination can feel like a goddamn pressure cooker.
But there's nothing wrong with you.
There’s nothing to be ashamed of.
And you’re not alone — not by a long shot.
Here’s why drinking feels harder in December:
1. Your nervous system is overloaded
Holidays increase stress, social obligations, financial pressure, family dynamics, grief, and expectations of performing happiness.
Alcohol temporarily numbs that, but — thanks to the A-B brain process described in addiction neuroscience — your body rebounds with more anxiety, more tension, and more craving.
So what feels like “relief” is actually pouring gasoline on anxiety.
2. Our culture glamorizes alcohol. Especially during the holidays.
I’ve said it before. Alcohol is everywhere, normalized as self-care, celebration, and mom-life survival.
In December, that pressure goes into overdrive.
3. Emotional triggers hit harder
Loneliness. Exhaustion. Grief.
Family patterns.
Feeling like you have to hold everyone else together.
Alcohol promises comfort.
Your brain remembers that promise — even when the results are consistently shitty.
4. You’re running on empty
When you’re depleted — physically, emotionally, spiritually — willpower isn’t the issue.
It’s chemistry + conditioning.
If drinking has been your way of checking out, the holidays almost guarantee you’ll want to check out more.
But here’s the good news:
This month doesn’t have to swallow you whole.
You can absolutely get through December with more clarity, calm, and confidence — without white-knuckling and without pretending you’re “fine.”
Here are five grounding practices my clients use regularly:
1. Claim five minutes of silence every day
Just five.
Your nervous system needs a damn minute to land.
2. Practice the 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Technique
Feet on the floor.
Deep breath.
Name 5 things you can see, 4 things you can touch, 3 things you can hear, 2 things you can smell, and 1 thing you can taste.
3. Interrupt the “fuck-it” spiral
You know the voice:
“Fuck it, it’s the holidays… it’s just one… I’ll deal with this in January.”
Pause.
Ask: What do I actually need right now?
4. Ask yourself one brave question
Is drinking helping me — or hurting me?
Your inner wisdom already knows the truth.
5. Get support before you hit desperation
You do not need a rock-bottom moment to start changing your relationship with alcohol.
December is actually one of the most powerful times to get honest.
A gentle reminder
You don’t have to feel ashamed.
You don’t have to do this alone.
And you don’t have to wait until January 1st to give yourself the support, compassion, and clarity you’ve been craving for years.
If you’re curious about exploring your relationship with alcohol — or simply want a place to lay down the overwhelm — I’m here.
Let’s talk.
A Discovery Call is the safest, calmest place to tell the truth about where you are — and what you want next.
Your life. Your choice.
And you deserve to feel better than this.
