St. Patrick’s Day tends to be a day of drinking and merriment. For those trying to live a sober lifestyle, it’s holidays like this that can be difficult to manage. How do you find sober activities that are still fun to enjoy when you can’t use alcohol or drugs? Holidays of all kinds can be difficult for those in recovery, but sober activities can still be participated in, allowing individuals to stay social and sober. At Insight Recovery Center, we can help you get to the point of feeling good and not missing the alcohol.
St. Patrick’s Day Strategies for Sober Living
For those who are recovering from alcohol abuse, a holiday like this can pose a risk. However, in therapy, you’ve developed strategies to help you through these difficult moments. Now, it’s time to employ them. First, recognize any cravings you are having. If present, reach out to a professional for support to avoid relapse.
Then, consider a few sober activities that are still enjoyable for this holiday:
- Get the green on In true St. Patrick’s Day form, celebrate this holiday wearing green. It’s easy to feel a bit more festive when you’re dressing the part.
- Consider an Irish meal: If you’re Irish, check out your grandparent’s favorite foods or create a traditional Irish feast.
- Have a private gathering: Get a few people together to have some fun to celebrate the holiday. You can do that easily with people who understand your sober living goals. Play some music, eat some great food, and even enjoy a few green drinks.
- Take advantage of a parade: While you may have engaged in alcohol consumption in previous parades, this year, focus on what’s really happening. Enjoy the people, music, and floats.
- Consider a marathon: Each year, several marathons take place with an Irish theme. Instead of alcohol abuse, this year run for your health.
What are other activities important to you on this holiday? It may be about the people you are with or the things you’re doing.
St. Patrick’s Day Can Signal a Need for Help
This year, as you engage in sober activities like this, use the time to help yourself and others. If you are still engaging in alcohol abuse or your friend is, it may be time to reach out for help. Take notice of drinking habits. Consider health changes that individuals may be experiencing, such as weight changes and increased risk of malnutrition. Do they need help? Speak to them about your experience and how important it was for you to turn the corner to get healthy.
This holiday, make it your goal to help those struggling with alcohol abuse get the support they need. That is one way to give back after working so hard on improving your health.
Let Our Team Help You or Your Loved One This St. Patrick’s Day
Sober living is an ongoing process, but it is not something to do alone. With outstanding support and a range of therapy options, we can be there for you when times get hard. Holidays like this may bring up the thought of using again. Yet, you don’t want to give up all the work put into this point. Take a few minutes to check out the therapies our intensive outpatient program (IOP) offers:
Do You Need Help and Support? Call Insight Recovery Center
St. Patrick’s Day doesn’t have to be boring and dull. When you realize that sober living is a struggle or you’re thinking of using drugs or alcohol again, that’s an indication you need help. At Insight Recovery Center, we can offer that support. Call us at 703.592.6946 or connect online for help.
