On certain annual occasions, there’s a lot of social pressure to drink as part of a celebration. That’s often especially true when the New Year rolls around. Drinking is deeply woven into many New Year’s parties and gatherings. How do you handle the seasonal pressure and keep your alcohol recovery active and strong? The experts at your local Waltham, MA, addiction treatment center are standing by with helpful tips and suggestions. Reach out to Evoke Waltham today to learn more about you can have a sober New Year’s Eve.
Advance Planning Can Make Staying Sober on New Year’s Eve Easier
One of the most vital steps in maintaining your holiday sobriety is advance planning. If you’re in recovery, you know the kinds of pressures you’re likely to face. In response, develop strategies that help you deal with those pressures. You can start by deciding if you want to go out on New Year’s Eve at all. If so, go over your options for potential gatherings.
Also, decide in advance the limits you will set for yourself at those gatherings. For example, you can plan how to respond if your drinking urges rise. You can also limit how long you stay even if the evening goes well.
Look for Celebrations Where Won’t Be Served
Unless your sobriety is rock-solid, plan on avoiding gatherings where alcohol is served. That might be a good idea even if you have a long track record of steady abstinence. An alcohol-free party is a great way to answer the question of how to stay sober on New Year’s Eve. You may know someone hosting such a gathering if you’re in recovery. Diligent hosts do such things as:
- Tell everyone in advance that alcohol use isn’t permitted
- Take steps to ensure that all guests are sticking to this agreement
- Provide plenty of mocktails or other alcohol-free refreshments
They also strive to create a fun, festive atmosphere that helps take the focus off drinking.
How to Have a Sober New Year’s Eve
Can’t find a suitable alcohol-free New Year’s Eve party? Consider diving in and hosting one yourself. Friends in your sobriety network will no doubt appreciate the effort. You can also invite anyone willing to forego drinking throughout the evening. Steps that can help you enjoy a successful venture as a party host include:
- Creating a selection of tasty mocktails
- Serving lots of tasty snacks
- Focusing on a family-friendly party theme
- Providing ample room for dancing
- Setting up areas for playing cards and board games
It would help if you also spread the word about the evening’s no-alcohol policy.
Talk to a Professional or Consider Treatment Again
Depending on your recovery state, you may be overwhelmed by the season’s pressures. It would be best if you recognized the signs that New Year’s Eve is too much for you to navigate successfully. If this happens, you may want to talk to an addiction professional. You may also want to consider safeguarding your sobriety by reentering formal treatment.
Find Out More About Staying Sober on New Year’s Eve at Evoke Waltham
Want to know more about how to have a sober New Year’s Eve? Contact the addiction specialists at Evoke Waltham. We have extensive experience helping people from all walks of life avoid drinking. With our help, you can devise an effective sobriety plan. Evoke Waltham is also a top-quality provider of alcohol rehab services. At New Year’s and throughout the year, we provide customized treatment options that support your recovery goals. Call us today at 866.276.1920 or fill out our online message form for more information on how to have a sober New Year’s Eve.
