SANTA BARBARA — Holiday temptations to over-eat or drink too much can trigger a return to past addictions, said Linda Joy Allan, author of the new book, I Quit! Cigarettes, Candy Bars & Booze.

For those who have stuck to their diets, or quit drinking or smoking, avoiding temptations can be especially tough with the extra stress created by this year’s battered economy, said the Santa Barbara, Calif.-based author.

“Right now, before the holidays are in full swing, is when you can call on the same inner resolve that led you to quit your past addictions in the first place,” Allan said.

“Vow right now to be pro-active, and you’ll be better prepared to resist holiday temptations and stress,” said Allan, whose book describes her own success at overcoming her addictions to over-eating, alcohol and cigarettes.

USA Book News described her book, published in September by Dovelin Publishing, as “a powerful memoir and self-help book.”

On top of traditional temptations of holidays and social obligations, this year’s holidays might prove even more stressful because of the dire state of the economy, Allan said.

Allan cited a CNN/Opinion Research Corp. poll released Oct. 20 that reported that 75 percent of people surveyed said they are suffering high stress because of the economy.

“There are common sense steps you can take to avoid letting the holidays or a bad economy undermine your new addiction-free lifestyle,” she said.

Allan offers these tips:

1. Avoid friends and acquaintances who are not supportive of your resolve to stay free of past addictions. “Even if those who are not supportive are family members, you must pro-actively make the decision to not spend time with them at all,” Allan said. “If that’s not possible during certain holiday occasions, minimize your time with those family members and insist on bringing along a friend or relative who does support you.”
2. Avoid environments that might tempt you to return to your past bad habits. “If you have stopped drinking, avoid holiday parties in bars or other places where you know that alcohol will be a main focus. Politely decline,” she said. “Your health and lifestyle are more important than any social obligations.”
3. Take a stress-busting walk. “Exercise is a great way to reduce stress. Every time you feel internal worries building up, take an energizing walk through the woods, at the beach, or even around the block outside your office,” Allan said. “If you can’t get up and get out to take a walk, practice deep breathing exercises to calm you.”
4. Start a new hobby. “Instead of worrying about past bad habits, begin a new good habit,” Allan said. “Find a hobby that interests you, and one that is fun too.”
5. Join a group. “When you were addicted, life was all about you, wasn’t it? Getting involved with other people who are doing something positive will stop you from focusing too much on yourself,” Allan said. Allan suggests joining a social group, enrolling in a class or joining a volunteer organization. “Volunteers are critically needed in a bad economy, and especially before and during the holiday season,” she said. “So sign up!”

For more information: Linda Joy Allan of Santa Barbara, Calif., is the author of the new book “I Quit! Cigarettes, Candy Bars & Booze,” which has been described as a “courageous account, ultimately victorious,” of Allan’s personal journey to overcome three addictions. Dr. Laura Schlessinger, author of the book “Stop Whining, Start Living,” has said Allan’s book “will motivate and inspire.” For more information, visit www.dovelinpublishing.com. Or contact Linda Joy Allan at (805/687-1952) or by email at lindajoyallan@aol.com.

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