Celebrating a sober St. Patrick’s Day is an opportunity to showcase just how hard you’ve worked during treatment. When it comes to sober living, holidays tend to be the biggest challenge. Having the right frame of mind to create a celebration that doesn’t involve drugs and alcohol is empowering. At Solution Based Treatment, we’re here to provide the support necessary to make that happen.
Why Is a Sober St. Patrick’s Day So Important?
Staying sober during a holiday that emphasizes drinking is challenging for most. Yet, for those who have been through treatment and are in recovery, it’s critical to minimize relapse risk in any way possible. Being around alcohol, thinking about consuming it, and even reminiscing about the previous holidays celebrated with these substances can position a person for relapse. To avoid it, have a plan.
Ways to Create a Sober St. Patrick’s Day
Be creating in planning a sober holiday like this. Start by thinking about what is most important to you. Is it family and friends? Is it celebrating your Irish heritage? Perhaps you have memories you want to share with your children. Then, consider a few ideas:
- Head to the local parade. Instead of going to the bars nearby, make a part of being involved in the parade. Bring along the kids. Or, why not be a part of one of the floats or attractions in the parade? Find a way to give back.
- Enjoy Irish food. Take the time to find an Irish recipe you remember enjoying as a child. Try to recreate it. Try some new meals.
- If you are going to work or have other responsibilities, celebrate with a pop of green. Wear bright spring colors to celebrate this day.
- Plan to have a day of Irish moving watching. Check out a few videos that explain the holiday and the religious components of it. It is also possible to find old movies popular in the 1950s and 1960s that you may never have seen.
- Do some outreach work. Find a local food pantry to offer help during the day. Come back to your treatment center to offer some support to those here.
The more involved you are in creating a new tradition and experience, the more likely you are to avoid relapsing into alcohol abuse. You may avoid feeling bad about what you are missing. Instead, create something that’s more meaningful and just as enjoyable.
Recognize When You Need Help with Sober Living
Sober living comes with ups and downs. Holidays can make it particularly difficult to avoid the onset of relapse. If you are thinking about using, experiencing feelings of depression because you are not using, or feeling cravings, seeking out professional help may be time.
Relapse prevention programs are one tool to help minimize the risk of relapse. This type of therapy is best for those who are not necessarily experiencing cravings but notice an increase in their thoughts of using. If you feel upset about not being able to go to the bars on St. Patrick’s Day, that’s an indication this therapy may help.
When there is a need for help, including after relapse, Solution Based Treatment can help. With a comprehensive program with numerous treatment options and methods, we can help you get back on the right path moving forward.
Our treatment options include:
- Residential treatment programs
- Intensive outpatient programs
- Partial hospitalization program
- Faith-based treatment
- Dual diagnosis treatment
Recognize the Need for Care – Call Solution Based Treatment
Creating a sober St. Patrick’s Day tradition is one way to maintain your sobriety and your social life. Our relapse prevention and alcohol abuse treatment programs are available to help you stay the course. Learn more by calling Solution Based Treatment at 833.999.1941 or connect with us online.