Getting and staying sober is difficult under the best of circumstances. During the winter holidays, though, those in recovery may find maintaining sobriety even more challenging.
During this time of year, we’re bombarded with images of happy revelers toasting the season and celebratory indulging. What should be the most joyous time of the year can be anxiety-inducing, a threat to even those with years of recovery under their belt.
Additionally, the idea of a sober New Year may seem impossible when loved ones plan the usual booze-centric celebrations. Whether you are newly sober or you’ve been sober for many years, there are several ideas for a sober new year. When you feel you need professional help, reaching out to a drug or alcohol detox center is the smartest move. There, you can receive the support you need wherever you are in your recovery journey.
Alcathon or Narcathon
Perpetually, AA and NA offer support and encouragement for those in recovery. Members of AA and NA understand that the winter holidays may present added stress. Many groups around the country celebrate a sober New Years with 24-hour Alcathon and Narcathons.
Don’t be fooled into thinking that you’re in for a dull outing. In fact, these groups know how to have a good sober time. Thankfully, they provide something that sober people need desperately during the holidays: a place for folks to get together all day for music, dancing, and refreshments. Local AA chapters publish event schedules that will list the Alcathons and Narcathons near you.
Be The DD
It’s possible that you will be hanging out with dear friends who aren’t planning on a sober celebration for New Years. In that case, why not use the situation to your (and their) advantage?
If you feel comfortable attending a party or event where your friends and family will likely be indulging, offer to be the designated driver for the evening. Have the host or hostess rent a large van and offer a shuttle service providing guests a safe ride home. What better way could there be of starting a new year than ensuring the safety of your loved ones?
Host A Sober New Years Celebration
If you are uncomfortable attending the typical champagne-laden celebration, create your own. Invite your friends to join you for a pot-luck or alcohol-free dinner party. Provide the other sober people in your life with a safe place to land. Game nights, sledding parties, night skiing, fondue parties, ice cream sundae bars, and bonfires are fun ways to welcome a sober New Years.
Volunteering
Many in recovery are sick and tired of the same old and are looking for something more meaningful. Crossing into another year of sobriety, you might want to spend your time helping others. Many hospitals, homeless shelters, soup kitchens, and telephone support hotlines find themselves shorthanded on holidays. Can you think of a better way to spend a sober New Years Eve than being of service?
Take a Trip
Maybe getting out of town is what you need. Seeing new sights and doing new things can be a good way to clear your head of negative things that happened as a result of your addiction.
Gather a small group of sober folks, pack a few tents, sleeping bags, and a cooler of food, and head off into nature. Look for a cheap flight to somewhere you’ve never been. Spend a sober New Years on a plane or a train and wake up in a new place rested and ready to explore!
AA Meetings
AA meetings are a wonderful place to get to know others in sobriety. If you are struggling with the idea of a sober New Years, a meeting will help. Also, if you have been in recovery for some time, you understand how stressful the holidays can be for the newly sober. Attending a few meetings on New Year’s Eve is a great way to connect with someone new that might benefit from your experience.
Reach out to Tides Edge Detox
New Year’s festivities do not have to revolve around alcohol. If this is your first sober New Years, there are many creative ways to celebrate. If you are still struggling, you don’t have to. The coming New Years can be the beginning of a new life. A quality program like Tides Edge Detox Center in Jacksonville, FL can help you find a happier and healthier way of life.
The detox programs at Tide’s Edge Detox include:
- Men’s detox program
- Women’s detox program
- Holistic detox programs
- Medication assisted treatment
- Addiction therapy programs
There’s no need to spend the new year wondering how you’re going to successfully remain sober. Staff at our Florida detox center are ready to help you get sober and completely focused on your recovery. Reach out to us today at 866.723.3127. We can help.
