The Top Ten Gift Ideas for Recovering Alcoholics

As These People Change, so Do Their Needs

Purchasing gifts for recovering alcoholics can sometimes be a difficult endeavour. Because one of the largest aspects of recovery is change, changing one's behavior, lifestyle, habits and acquaintances, chances are, the person you're buying a gift for, will have different needs and interests than they previously had. While many recovering alcoholics, particularly those in semi- early recovery, will openly celebrate their sobriety, others, often those with more long- term sobriety, choose to quietly go about their existence, one day at a time.

Many recovering alcoholics have an especially difficult time coping with holidays, particularly the Christmas and Chanukah through New Year's period. Considering the fact that many, if not most holiday celebrations, worldwide, involve the consumption of alcoholic beverages, it is easy to see why holiday celebrations can be a source of consternation for recovering alcoholics. By presenting a thoughtful and relevant gift to a recovering alcoholic, you can, in your own way, help them make it through what is quite often a difficult period. To find many recovery- related gift items, look- up 'recovery stores' in your local phone book, or on the Internet.  In the interest of fairness and accuracy, it should be noted that the author of this article is approaching eight years of sobriety, one day at a time. It is through personal experience and observation, that the following items are recommended as the top ten gift ideas for recovering alcoholics.