Have a Sober Fourth of July

Being in recovery from a substance use disorder (an addiction to drugs or alcohol) can make many events challenging to manage. However, it’s not impossible to enjoy social events while still managing one’s recovery. You can say for sure that holidays are equal parts fun and stress even in the best of times. If you are in the process of recovery, however, a holiday can not only be a source of fun but a trigger for relapse. You are not alone in feeling this way during the holiday, and to help get you through the weekend, Beaches Recovery is sharing some tips on how to enjoy a sober fourth of July.

The Fourth of July is routinely a holiday where friends and family gather to celebrate, and when this is the case, there’s usually alcohol involved. So those in recovery must learn how best to identify triggers and have healthy coping mechanisms to turn to.

Plan for a Sober Fourth of July

You will need to carefully select which events to attend as different people in your life may present a higher or lower level of temptation to use. If you can, stick to sober people or those who have supported you in your work to get sober. It is important to ask yourself how much you trust those around you to help you have a good time and stay clean at the same time, even when you’re not at an alcohol addiction rehab center.

If it comes down to it, you may need to host your own event and insist that it remain a strictly sober occasion. If you are attending an event where alcohol is available, prepare yourself mentally to say no and insist on abstinence.

Always Have a Back-Up Plan

Sometimes it can be hard to say no, and some people are not inclined to take no for an answer if you rebuff their alcohol offer. If you are visiting, bring your own soft drinks in case there are no non-alcoholic beverages present.

However, if you feel that the occasion is going to get out of control or you will be unable to control yourself, excuse yourself from the situation. Those who are truly supportive of your recovery will understand that you can’t be around people who are drinking. Do your best to arrive at an event with your own transportation so that you can leave without needing to depend on a ride.

If this isn’t possible, buddy up with another sober individual to help you to escape from situations where you may relapse and need an alcoholic treatment program.

Take Some Time For Yourself

Sometimes the only thing that you can do is take a vacation from the holiday. Spending time in your own home may be your only option to continue working on your recovery. If you chose to do this, be aware that loneliness can also trigger relapse. Inviting a sober friend who isn’t so enthusiastic about the holiday over for a visit may help you get through the day.

It may be difficult to take it easy when there is so much celebration going on all around you, but realize that it is only one day. If you get through the 4th of July sober, it will be so much easier to remain sober on the 5th and beyond.

Reach Out to Beaches Recovery For Help

Whether they happen to be real or imagined, the obligations of the Independence Day Holiday can be too much to take on by yourself. However, if you are newly sober and don’t have a substance abuse counselor, don’t hesitate to reach out if you feel like you are about to relapse. Here at Beaches Recovery, we offer numerous addiction treatment programs to help individuals struggling with addiction. No matter what stage of treatment or recovery you or a loved one is in, you can find support with us. Some of our programs include:

• Residential treatment
• Extended care
• Family counseling services
• Dual diagnosis treatment
• Sober living

For any reason, if you are unable to contact them, please consider giving us a call at Beaches Recovery in Jacksonville. If all else fails and you do relapse, please call us at 866.605.0532, or contact us online. We can connect you with the help you need for a sober fourth of July!