Halloween begins a season of many holiday get-togethers, most of which have alcohol present. How can someone on their recovery journey have a sober Halloween and be successful at staying sober into the new year? We aren’t going to pretend it will be easy. The earlier you are on your journey, the more difficult it is going to be. However, people who have been sober for twenty years or longer still have weaker moments when they must strengthen their resolve. A sober Halloween is possible. It just takes a few changes and some planning. At Memphis Recovery Centers, we want to help you to overcome your addiction. We offer a range of helpful treatment options. To learn more about these exciting recovery opportunities, contact us today at 901-272-7751.
1. Throw Your Own Party
Instead of taking your chances of attending a party where alternative drinks may not be available, consider hosting your own non-drinking party. Let the guests know they are in for a night of traditional Halloween shenanigans, minus the alcohol. Plan a scavenger hunt, haunted house, and lots of sober Halloween treats to make the evening both fun and safe. If you make this a family-friendly event, with activities for all age groups, it will help you keep it alcohol-free.
2. Attend a Non-Alcoholic Gathering
Many traditional support groups offer holiday events that help attendees with staying sober. Contact your regular 12-step program director and find out if your group has planned anything. If not, maybe they will know of somewhere there is a sober Halloween event going on. The advantage of attending a party that your support group is giving is that everyone there will understand exactly what you are going through.
3. Plan In Advance
If you do decide to put in an appearance at someone’s gathering, make a plan in advance. First, speak with the host and ask if there will be non-alcoholic drink choices available. Many people will understand your request and provide soda. If not, come prepared with your own beverages. In this way, you will already have a drink in your hands and be less tempted to drink alcohol. Planning also includes having someone willing to be on-call if you feel the temptation is becoming too strong. Arrange for a friend to be ready to come and pick you up at any time. Finally, plan your escape route. Sometimes a walk around the block or sitting outside alone will give you the time you need to take a deep breath and strengthen your resolve.
4. Reward Yourself
Staying sober is an act worthy of a treat. Set up a reward for yourself for getting through the holiday sober. Maybe there is a day trip you have wanted to take, a new book you have been wanting, or a game you have been eyeing. You did well by having a sober Halloween and deserve to reward yourself for the success. So often, people in recovery forget that they need to learn to take care of themselves as well as others. Embarking on this new way of life is a journey full of ups and downs. Be willing to forgive yourself and see that your value as a human is plenty of reason to celebrate your successes. To those not on your journey, the victory may seem small. However, those who are there or have been there will recognize the challenge and success deserves a reward.
Seek Treatment at Memphis Recovery Centers
If you or a loved one is having difficulty with alcohol use, call us at 901-272-7751 and talk with one of our treatment experts today. As the year is winding down, this is the perfect time to reach out for a hand to help get you back on your feet and facing sobriety. Starting your journey with a sober Halloween might be the ideal way to start. Don’t allow alcohol to be the center of your life any longer. Contact us today.
