As the holidays approach, you need to be prepared to handle the triggers that you may experience. Few holidays cause as many addiction triggers as New Year’s Eve. Spending time with the wrong people or ending up a social event with alcohol can easily derail your addiction recovery efforts. So, if you are going to enjoy a sober new year, you need to be in control of the evening. Find out some ways to enjoy a sober near year without alcohol or drugs.
Attend a Support Group Meeting as a Way to Enjoy a Sober New Year
If your night is already booked, try to catch a support group meeting sometime during the day – possibly before you go into work or during a lunch break. If you need help finding a support group in your area, contact your local addiction treatment center in California. Getting support from others in recovery can keep you mentally strong on New Year’s Eve.
Spend Time with a Mentor
Mentors can do more than keep you accountable or motivated. They can also spend some time with you doing fun stuff. Find a mentor in your addiction alumni program or aftercare program and see if they are busy. If not, schedule some fun to do that you both have in common. A mentor can be a great barrier to your triggers.
Host Your Own Party
If all your friends are going drinking and you don’t want to be alone on New Year’s Eve, one of the best ways to celebrate a sober new year is to host a party. There are several activities that you can plan, such as:
- Movie night
- Game night
- Mocktails
- Indoor treasure hunt
- Cook dinner
Invite family and friends that don’t drink. You may even want to invite some people from your support group. Plan a fun evening that everyone will enjoy so that no one is missing the alcohol.
Go on a Trip
Are all your triggers in town? Then pack up and leave. If you are determined to continue sober living, then plan a trip out of town. Stay away for two or three days until everything has settled back down. Then come back. It is the perfect way to celebrate a sober new year. Make sure you take someone with you on your trip, which will positively influence you and keep you from drinking.
Volunteer in Your City
There are plenty of organizations that could use your help on New Year’s Eve. You may want to start by volunteering at a local mental health treatment center or support group. They may need volunteers to help with local events or activities. You may also want to see what opportunities are available to volunteer at homeless shelters, orphanages, or women’s shelters.
Enjoy a Fine Dinner
Take the money that you would have spent on alcohol and use it to enjoy a fine multi-course meal at an upscale restaurant. Spend time with people who are a positive influence and will not pressure you to drink. Take your time during each course and let the evening run its course. Afterward, go home and enjoy a nice long bath or a meditation session. Instead of partying it up, you might want to wind down and reflect on your recovery accomplishments.
Get Help for Alcohol Abuse at Oceanfront Recovery
Are you struggling with alcohol or drug addiction? If so, contact Oceanfront Recovery at 877.279.1777. We promote sober living through our comprehensive drug and alcohol addiction treatment programs. You can get the help you need to celebrate a sober new year and enjoy life without alcohol and drugs. Call us today to get started with your alcohol abuse treatment program.
