82. How to Say No to Alcohol During the Holidays (Without Explaining Yourself)

About this episode

Jessica Dueñas shares strategies for saying no to alcohol during the holidays while maintaining personal boundaries and self-respect.

In this episode: In this episode of Bottomless to Sober , I’m talking about how to say no to alcohol during the holidays and protect your boundaries when others don’t respect them. In my near five years sober, I’ve been to countless parties, family gatherings, and work events where alcohol was front and center—and I know how uncomfortable it can feel when people question your choices or push you to drink. I’ll share how I navigate those moments with confidence and self-respect, without needing to overexplain or defend my sobriety. Whether you’re new to recovery, sober curious, or simply choosing an alcohol-free lifestyle, this episode will help you protect your peace and enjoy the holidays on your own terms. Resources : Watch Jessica’s TEDx Talk – What’s Success Without Self-Worth ⁠ Follow Jessica on Instagram ⁠Bottomless to Sober – Coaching, Classes, and Workshops⁠⁠⁠ Transcript

People in this episode

Host: Jessica Dueñas

Topics covered

• saying no to alcohol
• holiday gatherings
• boundaries
• sobriety
• self-respect
• alcohol-free lifestyle

Keywords

• alcohol
• holidays
• sobriety
• self-improvement
• recovery
• boundaries
• confidence

More episodes of Bottomless to Sober

• 86. Closing This Chapter, but the Work Continues · January 31, 2026 · 4 min
• 85. Signs I Ignored About My Alcoholic Liver Disease · January 2, 2026 · 9 min
• 84. Break the Cycle Before It Breaks You: Healing Trauma and Recovery with Author Priscilla María Gutiérrez · November 21, 2025 · 59 min
• 83. How I Stay Sober While Grieving: Tools for Holiday Healing · November 15, 2025 · 14 min
• 81. “You Can’t Be a B**ch to Yourself If You Have Daughters” — Healing Body Image in Sobriety and Motherhood · November 1, 2025 · 10 min
• 80. You Don’t Have to Hit Rock Bottom to Change · October 18, 2025 · 15 min