Staying sober on holidays can be difficult, especially to those who are in early recovery from addiction and alcoholism. Holidays are one of those big excuses for people to drink, a lot, and when we’re new to recovery, it’s easy for us to feel sorry for ourselves that we can’t drink a lot with them. When we are clean and sober, we find other ways to have fun in recovery, such as going to see a movie, shopping, hanging out with sober friends, etc. If you go to a party today and are really uncomfortable with the fact that you’re not drinking, sometimes just holding a glass or cup in your hands can make some of the anxiety go away. The mental comfort of holding something in your hand will automatically trick your brain into feeling more comfortable, even though you’re not drinking like everyone else.. fun fact. The reality that you’re wanting to stay sober today shows the willingness you need to have long-term sobriety. Today may be Labor Day, but it can be easier by just treating it just like it’s any other day; you may just be going to a cookout with a bunch of family or friends. If it makes you uncomfortable being around people who are drinking, it’s not to late to decline and go to a meeting instead.
Over-Drinking On Holidays
Labor Day, much like any other holidays, is considered as the “final hoorah” for summer, which means drinking and partying seems as a necessity for people on this day. Labor Day is often the final day for pools to be open as well, so you may come to find that many pool parties are happening, which a possibly large amount of drinking. All of these parties are quite good for active alcoholics, because it’s one of the few days a year where people will be drinking “just like them” so no one will be able to judge the alcoholic on their drinking. Over-drinking can be quite dangerous, and many people have suffered the consequences:
- alcohol poisoning
- physical altercations
- arguments in general
- car crashes
- DUI/OVI
- arrests
- hangovers
- random hookups
Staying Sober On Labor Day
Staying sober shows strength in your program of recovery. Although staying sober can be one of the hardest things you can do today, the feeling you will have tomorrow morning when you wake up and not be hunger over, and you still have your sobriety time, makes it worth it. There are many benefits for someone in recovery to stay sober on Labor Day, or any other holiday for that matter:
- You prevented a relapse
- You still have your original sobriety date
- You don’t have to wake up hungover
- You don’t have to worry about alcohol poisoning
- You will be able to remember the whole day and night
- You won’t have to wake up next to some random person that you don’t remember
- You didn’t have to be arrested for doing something stupid while drunk
- You get to watch and laugh at silly drunk people
- You won’t have to worry about getting a DUI or OVI
Getting Help
For those who are not sober today and have been struggling with alcohol or drug abuse, it’s not too late to change your ways. Getting help and choosing to work a program of recovery will not only give you back your life, but will also give you a life beyond your wildest dreams. In honor of September being National Recovery Month, take this step and get yourself the help that you need. If you or someone you know is struggling, call for help today at (866) 323-6590.
