‘Tis the season for celebrating and for some that will mean a sober New Year’s. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that the number of people that die in alcohol-related car crashes rises exponentially with each New Year’s celebration. During the holiday season, 40 percent of deadly crashes involve drunk drivers.
In addition, AAA states that more pedestrians die on New Year’s Day than any other day of the year. Maybe alcohol isn’t the way you want to celebrate this year. Is it possible to have a sober New Year’s, though? Of course, it is, and here are some tips to help.
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What Does a Sober New Year’s Mean?
Most will immediately think that it refers to a dry New Year celebration. People with a substance abuse disorder know that sobriety isn’t limited to alcohol consumption. A sober New Year’s means abstaining from both alcohol and drugs. It’s about enjoying the changing of the year without the help of a chemical substance.
Holiday Triggers
The first thing you should do is get a better understanding of your triggers, the things that make you want to drink or use. During holidays like New Years, there are two primary groups: busy and not busy.
Busy triggers would be partying with friends or family. They include peer pressure and exposure to alcohol and, maybe, drugs.
Not busy triggers mean you are alone on the holiday. Maybe loneliness makes you want to use drugs because you don’t have a party to attend. You need to plan to manage these triggers to maintain your sobriety.
Managing Busy Triggers
For busy triggers that involve partying, consider going out with sober friends. It’s a myth that you have to be drunk or high to ring in the new year. Hang out with people that understand that and want to support your recovery.
If you do go to a party with alcohol, create an exit strategy. Figure out how you will leave it if the urge to drink becomes too challenging to ignore. Maybe put a sober friend or a family member on speed dial who can come pick you up.
Plan for peer pressure. Carry a drink in your hand that looks like a cocktail — maybe a rocks glass full of juice or soda. Also, have a tag line ready in case someone tries to pressure you into drinking. “I can’t because it will interfere with my medication.” “I’m the designated driver tonight.”
Managing Not Busy Triggers
If being alone is a trigger for you, go to a meeting. There will be plenty around to find. If you stay home to watch the ball drop, make sure there is nothing around to tempt you. Don’t buy alcohol or drugs and keep them near you. Have other stuff there to fill that void. Keep plenty of juice, flavored water, and soda. If you want a toast, pick up some sparkling cider and celebrate the ringing in of sober New Year’s that way.
Make Treatment Your Resolution
If you are worried about maintaining a sober New Year’s, then look into treatment. Make it your resolution. Phoenix Rising in Palm Springs, California, offers one of the most relaxing environments for those looking to change their lives — a four-acre ranch.
While at Phoenix Rising, you can enjoy some fantastic amenities like the in-house pool, gym rec room, and jacuzzi. We also offer equine therapy.
Other services at Phoenix Rising include:
- Detox
- Residential treatment
- Partial Hospitalization Program
- Intensive Outpatient Program
- Outpatient services
- Sober living
Phoenix Rising provides dual diagnosis treatment and extended care 90-day programs.
If you are looking for renewal this new year, give us a call at 8552328211 to find out more about Phoenix Rising.
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