Ask A.J.: I’m about to enter my first sober holiday (silly) season. What’s the best preparation?

A.J. is about to enter his first sober “silly season” (the term for the holidays we use in Australia ) His first sober holiday (silly) season was one of his best Thanksgivings , he says.

"No Longer Silly" is Slate 's advice column on addiction and how to hate yourself less.

Remember that this year , your first year , is about enduring the holidays.

You need to put your recovery first and be honest with yourself about what you can and cannot handle being around.

If you start to feel that sticking around is risky, you need to run to the exit.

Even if you’re not drinking booze, it’s possible to get drunk on self-pity.