Secrets to Enjoying Holiday Parties Sober

If you’re in recovery, holiday parties can bring an extra set of pressures and challenges. But socializing sober can be fun – and a little planning can make it a ton more comfortable. 

Experts say that one of the smartest ways to enjoy holiday parties is to avoid going alone – in other words, bring a date in the form of a trusted family member or friend who supports your sobriety. If it’s not possible to have someone come with you, make sure you arrange for someone to be “on call” – via text or phone should you need to reach out for extra support.

Volunteering to help out also works for some people in sobriety. For example, you can volunteer to set up the decorations, take pictures or be a designated driver. Having a “job” to do will keep you involved and included in the festivities – even if you’re one of the few not drinking.

Of course, it’s up to you to share why you’re abstaining from alcohol but either way you should plan out what to say if someone asks. Having a skit of sorts in your head about why you’re not drinking will make you much more confident and able to turn down a drink. Another trick: Do your best to keep a drink in your hand – seltzer with lemon or lime, for example – so no one has to offer.  

When you get to the party, take a look around and scope out the sober fun – whether a creative food station, photo booth, dance floor, raffle – these can be your go-to zones where drinking isn’t taking center stage.

And throughout the night, take a minute to survey the room for those who may be overdoing it on the booze – it can be a great reminder about why you’re staying on track. Recovery is a 365 day a year priority – so celebrate it along with the holidays as you give yourself the gift of sobriety.

Tis The Season to Enjoy Sobriety
Sobriety is the beginning of a fun, fulfilling and lifelong adventure – and there’s no better time to begin than this holiday season. Our schedule of activities is designed to strategically fill your time, nourish your body and enrich your spirit. To learn more how we can help you transition from rehab to everyday life without losing your way, call us today: 888-551-4715.  

Surviving July 4th Sober

Dreading the upcoming holiday? No matter where you are in your sobriety, the Fourth of July can be tough and reminiscent of partying and drinking. To help you have a fun, safe and sober holiday, we’ve put together some tips to help you enjoy your Independence Day and your freedom from addiction. 

Stick with your sober friends. Whether you choose to hang out with one close sober friend or a larger group from your recovery community, make this holiday about being social and sober. Start the day with a group hike or arrange a movie or bowling outing or head to your local parade. If you get stuck on ideas, just pretend that you're kid again. Run around in the heat, have a water balloon toss or roast some marshmallows before heading to the fireworks.

Get active. Physical activity is a surefire way to boost your mood and it will also help balance out all of those extra calories from hot dogs and burgers. Gather up some sober friends and family and test out these fun ways to stay fit this July 4^th: 

• Three-legged race
• Sack race
• Freeze tag
• Scavenger hunt
• Tug of war
• Frisbee
• Soccer

Host a BYONB party. BYONB stands for “bring your own non-alcoholic beverages” and it’s an easy way to stay social and enjoy your holiday without any temptations.

Do something for someone else. Especially if you’re not in the mood to celebrate, the 4^th of July can be the perfect time to give back to others. Volunteer at a soup kitchen or simply help another friend in recovery.

Don’t suffer in silence. You deserve to have a fun 4th of July and sober celebration with family and friends, so reach out if you’re having a bad day, feeling insecure or are tempted to drink or do drugs.

A Fun Sober Life at HAUS Recovery

Sobriety is the beginning of a fun, fulfilling and lifelong adventure. Our schedule of activities is designed to strategically fill your time, nourish your body and enrich your spirit. To learn more how we can help you transition from rehab to everyday life without losing your way, call us today: 888-551-4715.  

Tips for a Safe and Sober Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day weekend is almost here and it’s usually filled with parades, barbecues – and lots of temptation for those in recovery from a substance use disorder. Take heart: You can be social and sober and have fun as you kick off the summer. Keep these tips in mind: 

• Get plenty of rest. Even though it’s a holiday weekend, do your best to stick to your regular sleep schedule. Being well rested will make it easier to think clearly and make smart decisions.
• Keep active. Don’t forgo your exercise routine – and, if you have extra time, do a little more this long weekend. A little physical activity can go a long way in help you feel strong and confident in your recovery. Plus, you’ll simply be in a better mood! 
• Prepare ahead for questions. Remember, you only have to share as much as you feel comfortable sharing about your recovery. So, if someone questions why you’re not drinking, it’s okay to say something like “I don’t drink anymore” or “I don’t feel like drinking” – no lengthy explanation required. 
• Create a gratitude list – and carry it with you. If you feel yourself getting anxious or tempted, refer to this list to remind yourself of all you’ve achieved in your recovery and how grateful you are to be sober and alive! 
• Use breathing techniques. You can take a minute or two to focus on your breathing and no one even has to know about it. This will help you stay calm as well as quell any cravings or anxiety you may be experiencing. 
• Bring a sober friend. Extra support is always a good idea in social situations that involve alcohol. Stay close to one another and make sure you have a meeting spot and exit strategy if one of you becomes too overwhelmed. 

Making Better Choices Year-Round

Learning to make better choices is a key element of the sober living program at Haus Recovery. During your stay, you will learn to maintain your abstinence, embrace the fun in a life of recovery, and acquire the skills needed to make these changes last. To learn more, call today: 888-551-4715.