In your recovery from drug and alcohol addiction, there will be times you find it easier to abstain from use, and there will be days when you struggle. Independence Day, like many holidays, may present a challenge. To have a sober 4th of July, it’s essential that you do things differently than you’ve done in the past. Learning to have a drug- and alcohol-free holiday can give you renewed hope for the rest of your recovery journey.
How to Have a Sober 4th of July
In years past, your Independence Day celebrations may have involved using drugs and alcohol. Maybe you drank so much that the day was a blur. Or perhaps you spent the time indulging in illicit substances, simply because that’s what you’d always done. To prevent relapsing on the 4th of July, you’ll have to approach this celebration much differently than you have before.
Tips on how to have a sober 4th of July include:
Attend substance-free celebrations: Supportive friends and family may be willing to host parties with no alcohol served, but make sure they’re fully supportive. Even one person who tries to convince you to “just have one beer” can derail your recovery.
Host your own sober party: If you don’t know anyone throwing a party that doesn’t include drugs and alcohol, throw your own. Your old group of friends may not be right for you anymore, so reach out to other people in recovery, who’ll understand what you’re going through.
Create your own traditions: Spend the holiday doing new things, such as writing in a gratitude journal or volunteering to help those less fortunate than you. Your future Independence Days can be full of new traditions that you create today.
Go to family-friendly events: If you simply don’t want to miss out on the holiday fun, choose activities wisely, such as a daytime 4th of July parade.
Sobriety 365 Days a Year
Life doesn’t stop just because you’re in recovery. Other people are still going to drink or use, sometimes to excess. While it’s helpful to surround yourself with sober-minded individuals, you’ll have to face various holidays sometimes.
But a sober 4th of July can set a strong precedent for a sober Thanksgiving and Christmas, too. You’ll soon see that holidays are much more fulfilling and memorable when you don’t abuse drugs and alcohol.
Addiction Help Is a Phone Call Away
Are you or a loved one ready to experience sobriety not only on holidays but every day of the year? Bayview Recovery in Tacoma, Washington, is here to help. Our experienced and caring team provides a range of proven treatments, including individual and trauma therapy. Serving the Pacific Northwest region, which unfortunately has fewer treatment options than coastal locales, we’re a reliable option for residents across Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and the surrounding areas.
Our addiction treatment center offers:
- Outpatient rehab
- Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
- Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
- Extended 90-day program
- Dual diagnosis treatment
We know that change can be scary. But it can also be exhilarating, especially when you choose to live a healthier life. Call the skilled staff at our treatment center today, and we’ll guide you toward a sober future, 365 days of the year. Reach out to us at 855.478.3650.
