December is National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month. We know the holiday season is the time for many people to indulge in drinking alcohol well beyond moderate levels, or engage in drug use that can easily shift into an overdose. In fact, the National Association of Drug Court Professionals describes this month as “one of the deadliest and most dangerous times on America’s roadways due to an increase in impaired driving.”

As an enlightened sober person, this is your opportunity to stay strong and step it up for those who aren’t quite there yet. Family First Intervention in Mokena, Ill., has compiled these tips to help you be a hero to your friends, family and community:

• Don’t let anyone under the influence get behind a vehicle and drive. This rule of thumb goes beyond alcohol consumption. Cognitive impairment happens with marijuana use, other illegal drugs, prescription medications and some over-the-counter medications too.
• Attend holiday gatherings with a plan. Be the designated driver or make sure you have that go-to person with you. Download a shared ride app such as Uber or Lyft as a backup plan.
• Hosting a party? Offer plenty of non-alcoholic beverages so guests have choices, which can reduce overconsumption. Keep a bowl out as a vehicle key drop, so that before people leave the party, you know the person driving can handle the responsibility safely.
• Avoid too much downtime. Keep busy with healthy activities to keep sobriety intact.
• Keep in touch. Reach out to friends, family, recovery alumni or your sponsor to stay motivated and talk through any relapse triggers that show up unexpectedly.
• Be an advocate for DUI prevention. Share this information with everyone you care about and post it on all your social media accounts, as #Drunk&DruggedDrivingPreventionMonth or #3DPreventionMonth.