Substance abuse treatment programs offer useful tips for enjoying a sober Halloween. Although it may seem like a holiday of excess and substance use, it shouldn’t and doesn’t have to be. There are many ways to participate in Halloween without jeopardizing your recovery. And remember – if you don’t want to celebrate it at all, you don’t have to! Your recovery is all about redefining your life and habits.
The Dangers of Halloween
Halloween is like many other holidays in that it is often marked by celebrations that involve alcohol or other substances. This night can be especially difficult for clients in recovery, who are trying to avoid temptations and make the right decisions.
It’s a great idea to avoid public Halloween celebrations in restaurants, bars and clubs. The alcohol is typically flowing and there may be substances to be found as well as intoxicated individuals. Stay out of harm’s way with alternative ideas for spending the holiday to avoid boredom and to redefine new ways for you to celebrate.
Remember that Halloween actually has nothing at all to do with drugs or alcohol. It’s about dressing up and having fun with the spooky and the strange.
Remember What You Learned in Your Substance Abuse Treatment Program
Face the day with your treatment program in mind. Use your support system to help you get through the day and night. Consider what you learned in your substance abuse treatment program about yourself and addiction. Be aware of and avoid potential triggers for relapse. Why not even consider spending Halloween evening in an addiction support meeting? It’s a good way to physically remove yourself from triggers as well as remaining fully aware of what you learned and are putting into action for success in recovery.
Create New Traditions
Learn how to have fun on Halloween (and every day of the year!) without substances. You should find that it’s much more enjoyable and simpler than you once thought. Revel in new traditions for Halloween such as baking spooky Halloween treats, transforming your home into an impressive haunted house for the occasion and indulging in horror fare such as film marathons or even horror genre novels.
It may be difficult to avoid remembering Halloweens past when October 31st rolls around, but reinforce what you’ve learned in recovery by reminding yourself of why you’ve turned your life around. This is time to think realistically, openly and honestly about the troubles that substance abuse brings.
If you or a woman you love is having problems with drug abuse, alcohol dependency and mental illness, women’s drug rehab may be the answer. Remember that recovery from addiction and alcohol abuse treatment means learning how to cope with intensely emotional situations, and identifying when you need help and support. Treatment for addiction relapse, counseling, and aftercare can help you do this, so please call us today. Destination Hope is a full service addiction and women’s health treatment facility in Florida for women who suffer from substance abuse and behavioral health issues.
