New Year’s Eve is a time to celebrate the past year and look forward to the new one. But for many people struggling with addiction, it can be a trigger for relapse. If you’re in recovery, you may be wondering how to have a sober New Year’s Eve.
Skywood Recovery’s relapse prevention plan can help you stay on track every holiday season. Call us at 269.280.4673 and learn more about our treatment options.
How to Have a Sober New Year’s Eve
Before we go over some tips on how to have a sober New Year’s Eve, let’s first talk about why New Year’s Eve can be a trigger for relapse. For many people struggling with addiction, the holidays are a time of year when they feel isolated and alone. There may be family conflict, financial stress, or other triggers that can lead to using substances.
Now that we’ve talked about some of the reasons why New Year’s Eve can be a trigger for relapse, let’s go over some tips on how to have a sober New Year’s Eve:
Plan Ahead
Think about what you’ll do on New Year’s Eve and make sure it’s something you’re really looking forward to. Whether it’s going to a party, watching the ball drop on TV, or attending a sober event, make sure you have a plan.
Find a Supportive Sober Community
There are many sober events happening on New Year’s Eve, so you don’t have to party to have fun. There are sober parties, concerts, and other events happening all over the country. You can also find online sober communities to connect with if you can’t attend an event in person.
Find a Sober Support System
If you’re feeling tempted to drink or use drugs, reach out to your sober support system. This could be your sponsor, therapist, or sober friends. Talking to someone who understands what you’re going through can be helpful.
Stay Busy
It is great to have fun on New Year’s Eve, but make sure you don’t have too much downtime. If you’re bored, you may be more likely to think about using substances. Plan activities that you enjoy and can keep you busy.
Avoid Triggers
There may be certain people, places, or things that trigger your urge to drink or use drugs. If you can, avoid these triggers on New Year’s Eve.
Have a Backup Plan
If you find yourself in a situation where you’re tempted to drink or use drugs, have a backup plan. This could include leaving the party, calling a friend, or going for a walk.
How to Plan a Sober New Year’s
Let’s get one thing straight: you can have fun without alcohol or drugs. In fact, sober fun is often more enjoyable and meaningful.
Although it may feel daunting, planning a sober New Year’s is easier than it looks. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that you have a festive and fun night while staying true to your sobriety.
Here is a guide to how to plan a sober New Year’s:
Consider Your Goals For The Evening
Before you do anything else, it’s important to take a step back and consider your goals for the evening. What do you want to get out of New Year’s? Are you looking to socialize, or would you prefer a more low-key evening?
Make a List Of Activities That Interest You
Once you know what you’re looking for in a New Year’s Eve celebration, it’s time to start brainstorming activities. If you’re interested in socializing, you might consider attending a sober party or going out to eat with friends. For a more low-key evening, you might stay in and watch a movie or cook a special dinner.
Choose an Activity That Feels Comfortable For You
If you’re feeling anxious about attending a party, for example, you might opt for a more low-key activity like staying in and watching a movie. The most important thing is that you choose an activity that you’re comfortable with and that won’t trigger any negative emotions.
Make a Plan For How You’ll Stay Sober
If you’re attending a party, for example, you might plan to drink sparkling water instead of alcohol. If you’re going out to eat, you might plan to order a mocktail or non-alcoholic beverage. It’s important to have a plan in place so that you know how you’ll stay sober throughout the evening.
Stick to Your Plan
This can be difficult, especially if you’re surrounded by people who are drinking alcohol. But it’s important to remember that you made a commitment to yourself to stay sober. If you find yourself in a situation where you’re tempted to drink, remind yourself of your goals for the evening and focus on the positive outcomes of staying sober.
Skywood Recovery Can Help You Have a Sober New Year’s Eve
Skywood Recovery is here to help you through the holiday season. If you’re struggling with addiction, we encourage you to reach out for help. Our relapse prevention program can help you stay on track this New Year’s Eve and throughout the year.
No matter what your goals are for New Year’s Eve, Skywood Recovery can help you achieve them. Our relapse prevention program is designed to help you through difficult times like the holiday season. We can help you develop a plan to stay sober and provide you with the support you need to stick to your plan.
If you’re struggling with addiction, don’t wait to get help. Contact Skywood Recovery today at 269.280.4673 to learn more about our relapse prevention program.