July 4th is the day we commemorate the Declaration of Independence. It is a day of parades, fireworks, and bar-b-ques. For many people, it is also a struggle to remain sober from drug or alcohol abuse. In this article, we will talk about effective ways to celebrate a sober fourth of July.
The Stress of Staying Sober on the 4th of July
The 4th of July is often a difficult time for people struggling with sobriety. Many of the 4th of July activities such as bar-b-ques, parties, concerts and other events feature alcohol as a prominent part of the festivities. For people struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, easy access to alcohol may be tempting, which is why it’s so important to have a relapse prevention plan.
How to Celebrate a Sober Fourth of July
The most effective measure to avoid relapsing into drug or alcohol abuse on the 4th of July is to remove yourself from temptation. But it doesn’t mean that you have to lock yourself indoors. There are many drug or alcohol-free alternatives to celebrate the nation’s birthday.
Here are a few examples:
- Go to a sobriety meeting – An effective way to start a difficult day is to attend a drug or alcohol abuse support meeting, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA). If you don’t know where to attend a meeting in your area, you can check the AA Website or NA Website. If you struggle with other types of addictions such as heroin or marijuana, the DrugAbuse.com website lists additional resources. You can also attend a meeting at any point in the day if you find yourself struggling to stay sober
- Throw your own 4th of July Party or attend a sober party – Many cities host alcohol or drug-free events. Check your city or state website. But if you can’t find a sober event near you, host your own party and invite family and friends who understand your desire to stay sober
- Do something original – There is no rule that says you have to go to a parade, bbq or fireworks. You can also go to a museum, bowling, movie or to an amusement park — anywhere where drugs or alcohol is not part of the event
- If possible, celebrate with a friend who understands your struggle and can help you to avoid difficult situations
- Always keep a glass of water or juice in your hand. This will discourage people from offering you a drink
- If you feel yourself struggling with the desire to abuse drugs or alcohol, remove yourself from the event immediately and go to a meeting
Relapse Prevention Programs
Staying sober is about more than simply not drinking or abusing drugs. Its also about learning skills and coping mechanisms to avoid relapsing. These skills are taught in a Relapse Prevention Program. The Willows at Red Oak Recovery in Asheville, NC offers a variety of sobriety programs geared towards women. In addition, they have relapse prevention programs to help you stay sober. Call us today at 855.773.0614. We can help you plan a sober fourth of July.