If you have been in recovery for some time or are currently in a substance abuse treatment program, you may find that sobriety has its rewards and challenges. Living life without substances allows you to enjoy all that life has to offer. However, it also requires that you use the tools you’ve learned to manage stress. You might also need to learn how to celebrate certain events like holidays and birthdays in new ways that do not involve alcohol. Memorial Day is a summer holiday that people often celebrate with friends and family gatherings under the sun and parties where people may be drinking. It might feel like a challenge to find a way to celebrate without drinking, but with a little bit of planning, you can still enjoy the day without relapsing.
If you or a woman you love need help managing substance abuse, addiction, or mental health issues, please reach out to the knowledgeable staff at Women’s Recovery. We believe in empowering women to live full, healthy lives. Call us at 833.754.0554 or fill out an online intake form here to learn more.
Plan Ahead for a Sober Memorial Day
Make a plan for how you will stay sober on Memorial Day. Think ahead about the details of your celebration, starting with how you will get there. Drive there on your own so that you can leave whenever you want or need to. If possible, find out who will be at the party. If you have strained relationships with any of the people at the party, think about making other plans. Bring a non-alcoholic beverage if you’re not sure they will be offered at the party. You can also invite a sober friend to join you and support each other during the celebration. Be aware of your body’s signals and have a plan for how you will handle discomfort. You may need to leave the party if you find yourself feeling stressed or uncomfortable in many cases.
Celebrate Sober Holidays With Others in Recovery
A great way to enjoy sober holidays is to celebrate with other people who are also in recovery. Celebrating with other sober people means that the focus will be on relationships, food, and fun, not alcohol. Plan a party with sober friends or the residents of your women’s sober living program. Work together to plan fun activities and make special food. Enjoy good conversations and healthy fun together. Celebrate life and each other.
Practice Self Care
When people hear the term “self-care,” they might immediately think about bubble baths or scented candles. Self-care is so much more than just little moments of luxury. True self-care means thinking about what your body, mind, and soul really need and then doing your best to meet those needs with whatever resources you have. Self-care is essential before, during, and after holiday celebrations. Acknowledge that you may be uncomfortable or have more stress. Treat yourself well by exercising, eating well, and having both the support and the quiet time you need to feel your best.
If the idea of attending a family gathering or seeing friends who are not supportive of your recovery stresses you out, show yourself some care by making other plans. Staying sober is your most important goal. Everything else comes second. Love and care for yourself during holidays and always.
Learn More about Sober Living at Women’s Recovery
At Women’s Recovery, we believe women deserve to live full, healthy lives. We offer programs that support women in all aspects of recovery and mental health, including:
- Alcohol addiction treatment
- Women’s sober living program
- PTSD treatment
- Neurofeedback therapy
- Behavior modification therapy
If you or a woman you love need addiction or mental health treatment, please call us at 833.754.0554 or fill out an online intake form here.
