Staying Sober on the 4th of July [Guide 2022]

4 Quick Tips on Staying Sober for the Fourth of July

Tip #1 Plan Ahead

Planning how you’re staying sober during the 4th of July can save you a lot of frustration, especially if you’re planning on going to a party that will have alcohol. Before you attend the party, call and ask questions. Will there be activities to keep you busy? Asking questions can help you mentally prepare, and that’s half the battle.

Tip #2 Bring Your Beverages & Snacks

Bring your own if you feel like there won’t be any beverages or snacks that you can partake in. This way, you have non-alcoholic choices ready, and you can grab them when you have the chance.

Tip #3 Bring Someone to Hold You Accountable

An accountability partner can be the difference between a good time and a disaster. If you bring someone who has the sole purpose of helping you get through the function sober, it can be very helpful. A plus is that you have someone to talk to the entire time.

Tip #4 Have an Exit Strategy

When things get uncomfortable or you feel that your sobriety is about to be risked, make a plan to leave. Unfortunately, there can be situations where you’re peer pressured or constantly asked if you want a drink. Not everyone understands the sober life. You have to have an exit strategy planned out beforehand to make a move for the door and stay sober on the 4th of July.

Celebrating Holidays Without Risking Your Sobriety

Cocktail parties, 4th of July barbecues, and other social gatherings will be difficult to attend while recovering. You will think of your last independence day and how you were drinking, drugging, or gambling. You will start to reminisce about the old times, and it can only go downhill from there if you don’t do anything to change your thought process.

Although it can be very hard to get used to staying sober through this holiday weekend when romanticizing the old times, you should be more than proud of remaining sober through this difficult time.

Take this opportunity to not only celebrate the holidays but to celebrate your new life as well, your first independence day sober!

If you find yourself struggling during this holiday, you are not alone. There are many other recovering addicts feeling the same as you. Help is only a meeting, function, or phone call away! Don’t make staying sober hard. Make staying sober fun.

Celebrate With Others in Recovery

You put the work into getting clean and sober, so enjoy it and have fun! Many 12-step groups have special events during the holidays to share their experience, strength and hope on how they made staying sober FUN during the holidays. Attending a 12-step event will allow you to meet others who know how you feel and help you get out of your funk!

Even though getting out and meeting other recovering individuals may cause fear and be the exact opposite of your idea of having fun – particularly if you are in early recovery and still trying to find your footing, at least consider trying it out. You never know until you try. Making friends and experiencing new horizons is an excellent way of getting involved in healthier ways to have fun during the holidays.

Call a sober friend or your sponsor if you are nervous about going to a function. Let them know how you feel and see what they suggest, or ask them to come with you! Functions are loads of fun. They have barbecues, guest speakers, games, events, etc. You would be surrounded by people who know how you are feeling, and you will have so much fun while creating new and sober memories. However, if you feel as if you would rather hang out with your family and friends, bring a sober buddy!!!