Now that you have been sober for an extended time, you work to protect your recovery at all costs. Holidays are no exception to this rule, so it can be difficult when certain holidays come about that are focused on drinking and partying. With St. Patrick’s Day around the corner, you may be feeling nervous about celebrating while also maintaining your sobriety. However, there are ways to stay sober without feeling left out or compromising the strides you have made in your recovery. You can still be a part of the fun and enjoy your sober life too! Here are some tips for navigating sobriety on St. Patrick’s Day.
First and foremost, you need to remind yourself that drugs and alcohol do not equate to fun. There are various ways to celebrate and enjoy yourself without drinking or using drugs. When it comes to holidays specifically, there are usually numerous events that you can take part in and enjoy with your friends and family. This way, you can still have fun without being tempted to compromise your sobriety. Consider going out dancing or enjoying the yummy food served! However, with the COVID-19 pandemic, you may choose to socially distance. In this case, set up a Zoom or Skype meeting with friends and family and engage in fun, online activities!
Another helpful way to stay sober on holidays such as St. Patrick’s Day is to remind yourself why you got sober in the first place. Taking the time to reflect on your sober milestones and consider how different your life is now that you have taken charge and decided to stop drinking will help you approach the holiday with a more positive and enthusiastic mindset. Doing this can help keep you from even thinking about breaking your sobriety. Remember to think about your goals for the future and remind yourself that one day is not worth sacrificing all of the work you put into recovery.
If you are anxious about going out to bars or other parties being held in honor of the holiday due to the potential presence of drugs and alcohol, consider throwing your own alcohol-free St. Patrick’s Day celebration. You can decorate how you want, play the best Irish music, cook up or order some traditional dishes, put together some fun non-alcoholic drinks, and invite your friends and family! Remember with COVID-19 that big groups are not a good idea, so stick to individuals in your immediate household or throw a virtual party with friends and family over video chat. This way, you can all stay safe, stay sober, and enjoy the holiday!
You may be struggling to think of different ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day without alcohol if that’s all you’ve done in the past. However, there are many ways to celebrate the holiday without breaking your sobriety. You can do simple things like wearing green clothing or jewelry, or you can try new foods that are traditionally Irish. No matter what your goals and interests are concerning the holiday, there are ways to celebrate Irish culture without the need for drugs or alcohol.
It is easier to stay sober when you’re not doing it alone and have someone to help keep you on track throughout the day, especially if this is your first St. Patrick’s Day since getting sober. Having someone else with you that is not drinking can help motivate you to follow suit throughout the day, allowing you to remember your objective without feeling tempted to drink. Peer pressure can be powerful, so if your other friends are drinking, you could be tempted to join in. When you spend time with someone else who isn’t drinking, it can help eliminate this risk and keep you on the right path.
If you are navigating sobriety after leaving treatment, you most likely participate in some kind of local support group in your community. These groups may even throw their own celebratory parties to ensure everyone has a place to go that won’t tempt them with alcohol or drugs. This way, you can enjoy the holiday with other sober individuals without putting your sobriety at risk, meaning you can celebrate worry-free! Of course, if there isn’t an in-person event this year due to COVID, be sure to ask if there will be some type of virtual event that you can take part in. Participating in sober events will increase your motivation and have you celebrating the right way!
St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated all over the United States and is meant to be a day of fun. However, modern culture often associates the holiday with heavy drinking and partying, which is not great for those currently in recovery from addiction. However, you don’t have to be left out of the festivities! There are many ways to celebrate the holiday without compromising your sobriety. NorthStar Transitions wants to ensure our clients and alumni feel safe and secure in their recovery this St. Patrick’s Day. We know that celebrations will be different because of COVID, but you may still feel the temptation to drink. Our facility can offer you sober ways to celebrate and connect you with local groups to give you a sober environment to be a part of during the day. For more information regarding our programs and how to stay sober year-round, call us today at (303) 558-6400.
