Getting through the holidays without drinking can feel like a true feat of strength when you’re in alcohol addiction treatment, especially if you are new in recovery. Just when you’ve safely navigated through the winter celebrations, here comes St. Patrick’s Day, a holiday that’s synonymous not only with drinking but also with getting drunk.
Our tips to stay sober on St. Patrick’s Day will help you create a realistic plan for enjoying the day while staying on your sobriety program. If you or someone you know needs alcohol addiction treatment, call The Bluffs at 850.374.5331 today.
5 Useful Tips for Celebrating a Sober St. Patrick’s Day
You don’t have to hide at home when everyone else is out having fun. Sober celebrations can be even more joyous because you celebrate life on your own terms.
The following tips to stay sober on St. Patrick’s Day will not only help you avoid drinking on St. Patrick’s Day, but they’ll also help you handle all types of special occasions where alcohol is a focus.
1. Remember Your Motivation
An important element in keeping any commitment is remembering why it’s important to you. You are in recovery for a reason. Whether it’s for your health, your family, or because alcohol use disorder was a destructive force in your life, focus on those reasons before the holiday.
Write down a list of reasons why you want to remain sober and read it if you feel tempted to drink alcohol.
2. Plan a Sober Celebration
You don’t have to be Irish to enjoy celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, but it is a day when nearly everyone has fun honoring Irish traditions. Invite some sober friends over to watch Irish-themed movies or travel shows. Arrange a potluck dinner of traditional Irish foods, such as shepherd’s pie and soda bread.
Celebrating a sober St. Patrick’s Day is about more than just getting through the day without a drink. It’s also about having fun and enjoying life. Therefore, make sure your party has at least one activity to get everyone involved and having a great time.
3. Join a Marathon
Marathons, half-marathons, and walkathons are common on St. Patrick’s Day. Check to see what types of events are happening in your area.
Focusing on your health is a smart way to reinforce your overall wellness goals. Getting some exercise will give you a big boost of endorphins as well as the extra confidence you need to sail through the evening sober.
4. Gather Your Support Group
If you’re worried about staying sober, you can rest assured others in your sober circle are feeling the same way. Discuss your fears with those who understand what you’re going through.
Encourage your sober support group to attend a 12-step meeting together or find another sponsored sober activity to participate in. Staying together is one of the best sober holiday tips because it will help ensure that everyone stays on track.
5. Make a Plan
It’s better to make a plan than to do nothing at all. Feeling bored, lonely, or left out are popular excuses for breaking your sobriety. If you want to go to a pub with friends who drink, make sure you plan an exit strategy if temptations get too high. Decide beforehand what you’ll say if someone offers you a drink.
If you have a sobriety sponsor, let them know your plans for the night, and make sure you can reach them if needed.
The Bluffs Wishes You a Happy, Healthy, and Sober St. Patrick’s Day
At The Bluffs, we understand that holidays bring up all kinds of emotions that can pull those in recovery toward relapse. With our sober holiday tips and the right support programs, you can learn to participate in all types of celebrations without using alcohol. Our many programs and services offered to get you on the road to recovery include:
- Adventure and Wilderness Therapy
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy
- Family Therapy
- Group Therapy
- Individual Therapy
- Motivational Interviewing
Call The Bluffs today at 850.374.5331 for more information about addiction treatment and enjoying sobriety every day of the year.
