Many recovering alcoholics find themselves dealing with temptation and risk a relapse when it comes to celebrating the holidays. With drinking being such a socially acceptable activity, it works its way into many holidays, most notably Memorial Day Weekend. When people celebrate the start of summer with beer or wine, many long-term recovering alcoholics or those that just left a women’s alcohol addiction treatment program will want to refrain from being around any temptations. But that doesn’t mean they don’t want to celebrate. For information about how to manage your sobriety, please reach out to The Willows at Red Oak today at 855.773.0614.
Why Staying Sober is Hard During Holidays Like Memorial Day Weekend
Part of why it’s so hard to stay sober during the holidays is that society has long associated drinking with celebrating. There’s champagne on New Year’s Eve and at weddings, wine at bridal showers or Christmas dinner, and beer on the 4th of July. Anytime a recovering alcoholic is exposed to these beverages, it can end in a relapse. With so many parties, bars, and family gatherings supplying drinks without a second thought, it can be hard to avoid exposure. Whether it’s a family gathering or a friendly barbeque, it might not be the best place to do so if there’s alcohol. That’s why it’s good to have several sober activities on hand to choose from this Memorial Day Weekend.
Sober Activities to Take Part in During Memorial Day Weekend
A person trying to stay away from the temptation of alcohol can still celebrate the start of summer and sacrifice those who fought for their freedom and still enjoy themselves. Here are a few ways to do just that.
Host Your Own Event
If a person doesn’t want to deal with mentioning they are trying to avoid alcohol or the temptation that might be around if they go to a party where alcohol is likely to be, they should consider hosting an event. Be picky about your invite list, and be sure to mention that it will be an alcohol-free event if you’re comfortable doing so. This way, there will be no disappointed guests or unexpected beverages. The list could include understanding family and friends or even other sober people.
Participate in Patriotic Events
Help others remember the true meaning of the holiday by celebrating a patriotic event. Most of these are family-friendly, so there is less of a chance of there being alcohol involved. Try planting a tree, flying a flag, thanking a veteran for their service, or placing a wreath at the site of someone lost to war. Some communities host parades you could attend or join a 5K, which will benefit your health too. There are many more options, including museum visits to learn the holiday’s history, special ceremonies to view, and other tribute events to consider. No matter what you choose, you can be sure you’ll be honoring a veteran and yourself.
Take Time for Self-Care
One of the best ways to relieve temptation is to take care of yourself. Try eating healthy, getting enough sleep, and staying active. These are all well-known ways to care for yourself. However, you can take it a step beyond that over Memorial Day Weekend by treating yourself to a massage, enjoying a girls’ only trip, or taking in an extra meeting and avoiding situations you know are triggers. Self-care is essential to recovery, and this holiday is no different.
Create a New Tradition for Memorial Day Weekend
Who says Memorial Day Weekend has to involve alcohol or barbeque? Create your own tradition. Host a special breakfast instead of worrying about lunch or dinner and the chance of drinks being around. Alternatively, you could decide that every Memorial Day Weekend will be a time of rededication to your sobriety. Whatever you choose, it should center around your comfort level. If none of the activities above sound appealing, there are plenty of other sober activities to consider. A few more include:
- Attending a meeting
- Going to a movie
- Going on a hike, walk, or other outdoor activity
- Take a vacation
- Spend a relaxed weekend at home with loved ones
For more ideas about what you can do to stay sober this Memorial Day, please reach out to The Willows at Red Oak today at 855.773.0614.
Contact The Willows at Red Oak
When it comes to getting help, finding the right fit in a recovery center is important. At The Willows at Red Oak, you’ll find clinicians that are expertly trained in addiction treatment. We also offer a women’s only treatment environment dedicated to the unique needs of women in recovery. If you would like to get help to stay sober for Memorial Day Weekend and beyond, call us at 855.773.0614 or visit us online today.
