The holidays are often full of celebrations, including New Year’s Eve. Many people rely on alcohol or other substances to help them “have fun” and have difficulty imagining celebrating without them. But is it possible to have a sober New Year’s Eve? Absolutely! In fact, it can be even more enjoyable and memorable. Here are some tips for having a sober New Year’s Eve that will help you avoid relapse and end the year on a positive note.
If you or a loved one need are concerned about the upcoming holidays, Evoke Wellness Coconut Creek can help. We offer addiction treatment and aftercare programs along with relapse prevention resources. Call 866.693.3871 to learn more.
Strategies for a Sober New Year’s Eve
When thinking about how to celebrate without alcohol or drugs, the key is to focus on activities that bring you joy. This could mean listening to music, playing games with friends, participating in a virtual celebration, or watching your favorite movie. It is also important to remember that sobriety does not mean being alone; there are plenty of ways to connect with loved ones while still avoiding substance use.
Give Yourself Lots of Sober Options
For those struggling with substance use disorder, New Year’s Eve may automatically trigger memories of wild nights and wild people. But that is not how it has to be—give yourself permission to celebrate New Year’s Eve in your own way, and keep your options open. Some ideas include the following:
- Host a sober get-together – Invite your closest friends to join you for an alcohol-free New Year’s Eve party. This could be done either in-person or online, depending on safety protocols.
- Take a virtual yoga class – Spend the evening doing something calming and good for your body.
- Make it a movie night – Pick a few of your favorite films to watch or participate in an online movie night with friends.
- Create your own tradition – Come up with a unique way to bring in the new year that is meaningful to you. This could be writing down resolutions, setting intentions for your year ahead, or coming up with a fun game for you and your loved ones to play.
These options allow you to be social without any added pressure from using substances.
Plan Ahead
Another strategy is planning ahead; create an agenda and stick with it throughout the night (just like you would if you were attending an event). This could include scheduling time for chores before you start celebrating and ensuring everyone involved knows and adheres to the plan so that no one feels left out or isolated. Also, don’t forget self-care activities like reading, walking or bike riding, or creating something special just for yourself. All these activities can help keep your mental and physical health in check while also helping you stay focused on sobriety during the holiday season.
Be Prepared
Preparing beforehand is the best way to ensure that your sober New Year’s Eve is full of fun and free from relapse. Make sure that all of your needs are taken care of before the night begins, such as stocking up on healthy food items and making sure all necessary items like medications are taken care of. Additionally, make sure you have someone who can support you if needed; this could mean calling a sober friend, a sponsor from a 12-step group, an addiction specialist, or a therapist if things become overwhelming or too stressful during the night’s festivities.
Finding Support
No matter how you plan to celebrate New Year’s Eve, it is vital to have a robust support system in place. Talk to your family, friends, or therapist about any cravings you may be facing. Additionally, it is essential to make sure that the people around you are aware of your commitment to sobriety; this will help ensure that everyone is on the same page and follows through with providing support.
Contact Evoke Wellness Coconut Creek
Having a sober New Year’s Eve doesn’t have to be dull. In fact, it can be even more enjoyable than traditional celebrations! By following these tips and strategies for having a sober celebration while focusing on activities that bring joy rather than relying solely on substances as entertainment, anyone can make their holiday season memorable in a meaningful way this year.
If you need additional support during this time of year—whether it’s emotional support or professional assistance—be sure to reach out to Evoke Wellness Coconut Creek. Call 866.693.3871 or contact us online today!
