Halloween is the start of the holiday season and is the first of many important days that people celebrate with one another. Even though celebrating might feel different this year due to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, it’s best to stay prepared if you struggle with drug or alcohol addiction. The holiday season can prove to be most difficult for those in recovery because drinking and holiday celebrations seem to go hand-in-hand. Fortunately, staying sober on major holidays is possible with proper planning. There are plenty of ways to celebrate holidays without drinking or using drugs.

If you or a loved one is currently struggling with a drug or alcohol addiction, the most crucial goal is to seek professional help. It may seem impossible to quit the drugs or alcohol you have come to rely on to give you comfort or to help ease painful emotions, but it is entirely achievable. At Bayview Recovery, located in Tacoma, Washington, we offer an array of drug and alcohol rehab programs along with therapy services. These programs help you address all problems you may face in addiction so that lifelong recovery is attainable. Our rehab program cares about your whole life, not just the chapter where you attend our facility. We extend aftercare services through our alumni program, which helps you maintain your sobriety while gaining a compassionate support group. Call one of our expert staff members at 855.478.3650 to receive the hope and help you deserve.

How to Have a Sober Halloween

Listed below are some fun tips and ideas to ensure you enjoy a safe and sober Halloween:

• Have a pumpkin carving contest — Nothing says Halloween quite like a pumpkin carving contest. Hosting a pumpkin carving contest can be an exciting way to bring people together while also connecting with your creative side. Allowing yourself to be creative will distract you from any cravings or triggers.
• Host a horror movie marathon — Ask friends who support your sobriety to bring popcorn or any other snacks perfect for a night of watching scary movies.
• Host your own Halloween party — Invite friends from your recovery program or set rules that it is a drug/alcohol-free party. Performing duties as a host can be a good distraction from any cravings or triggers.
• Attend a recovery meeting — Attending a meeting earlier in the day can give you hope and inspiration to stay sober throughout the day.

Staying sober happens one day at a time. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but creating and sticking to a plan can help you remain sober on Halloween and every other holiday.

Sober Activities You Can Enjoy Before and After Halloween

There are plenty of sober activities to enjoy daily. Not every occasion or activity has drugs and alcohol revolved around it. Thinking outside of the box and stepping outside of your comfort zone can produce excellent results. Some fun and exciting sober activities may include:

• Go to the movies
• Play a sport
• Take a class
• Volunteer
• Create music or art
• Go for a hike
• Cook
• Visit a museum
• Go bowling
• Work towards a goal

Having fun in recovery is a learning process, but many of these sober activities listed above can be highly rewarding. Our graduates at Bayview Recovery participate in an alumni program that offers daily support, especially on tough days like Halloween. Having a support group to lean on in troubling days is one of the best ways to stay sober.

Learn More at Bayview Recovery

We care about your overall health and wellbeing at Bayview Recovery. Active addiction can deteriorate almost every aspect of your life. Recognizing the freedom you have in sobriety is one of the most important aspects of maintaining it. Call one of our compassionate staff members at 855.478.3650 to learn more about the freedom you can have in recovery.