How do you think tenants of sober living homes celebrate the holiday season? With sober activities, of course. And the holiday season begins with a sober Halloween celebration.
Halloween often marks the start of the holidays because it’s the first of several that happen over the next few months. And even though parties and family gatherings can look different this year – due to COVID-19 precautions, of course – celebrating without alcohol or drugs can be challenging for some clients.
The holidays can be the most difficult times for people in addiction recovery. Drinking and holiday celebrations often go hand-in-hand, whether it’s at home with your family or out with friends. For some clients, the same can be said about drug use.
Staying sober during the holidays might feel near impossible, but it can be done. Looking for a sober living home for you or a recovering addict you care about? Reach out to Oceanfront Recovery and ask about our services. Contact us online or call 877.296.7477.
Is a Sober Halloween Celebration Possible?
Although it’s not impossible to have a wild and sober Halloween, it should be acknowledged that those two adjectives don’t usually go together. Many have spent countless Halloweens partying and not staying sober, whether they celebrate with friends or family. It can be hard to transition to having sober fun on Halloween.
Having said that, it is possible to enjoy Halloween without drinking or taking drugs. First of all, clients can throw their own Halloween parties with their own rules to ensure there is no chance of guests bringing in alcohol or drugs. From there, it’s easy to find fun in spooks and scares. People in recovery will be more apt to forget the drugs and booze if they really get into the holiday.
5 Sober Activities for Recovering Addicts This Halloween
1. Throw Your Own Halloween Bash
Tell everyone you invite that the party is supposed to be drug-free and booze-free. Since you’re the host, the bash happens only if it follows your rules. You can focus on costumes, props, and music. Any activities will have the same energy if you amp up the Halloween feeling with fitting sounds and visuals. Your bash can include a reward for best costume, a dance competition, party games, and storytelling. If your guests are the type who would participate, consider a theme – like movie characters or animals. Having a theme can give people a chance to get creative, and it will also be a conversation starter. Guests will have fun guessing each other’s costumes.
2. Hold a Horror Film Marathon
Ask your guests to bring their favorite horror movie and settle in for an evening of screaming and holding onto each other. If you can, set up a projector on your lawn or another large area. Watching outdoors? You might want to turn the party into a barbecue, or you can serve s’mores. Watching indoors? You might want to invest in a popcorn maker to have it free-flowing during the party.
If you have children among your guests, make sure that whatever’s playing is appropriate for them. You can start with films like “Hocus Pocus” or “The Nightmare Before Christmas” so everything’s PG while the children are awake.
3. Judge a Pumpkin Carving Contest
Guests can get creative and competitive when they join the pumpkin carving contest. Let everyone know ahead of time to plan what they want to work on in advance. Choose the judges and set aside the prize, and then encourage everyone to compete. You can set up an apple bobbing one if you don’t want to set up a pumpkin carving station. You can also judge a Halloween cookie icing contest.
4. Focus on the Snacks
If someone isn’t wining, they’re dining – so your bash should focus on providing guests with the best available snacks. You can hold a potluck if you’re worried about making everything. Ensure that you have disposable plates and cutlery for easy cleaning, and arrange the spread within a socially distanced area.
5. Make Those Mocktails
Great mocktails – and a range of them – make or break an excellent sober Halloween party. You can make some simple non-alcoholic cocktails or indulge in store-bought mocktails. These drinks can be served in anything from normal glasses and paper cups to cocktail glasses that add to the festive mood.
Learn More About Oceanfront Recovery’s Sober Living Homes
As long as you’re surrounded by a strong support system, you can stay sober through every day of the year – holiday or not. Looking for sober living homes for you or a recovering addict you care about? Reach out to Oceanfront Recovery and ask about our services. Contact us online or call 877.296.7477.
