Holidays are often a difficult time for those recovering from drug or alcohol addiction. The party atmosphere of many holiday gatherings encourages drug or alcohol use, which can be tempting for those with substance use disorder. As July approaches, people are preparing for fireworks and parties associated with the fourth of July. However, with the following tips and a relapse prevention plan, you can have a sober fourth of July.
Make a plan
Without a plan firmly in place, you’re given to chance. In other words, your night is “up for grabs.” Whatever happens, may feel like it is out of your control. Friends may have alcohol or recreational drugs on hand, and the temptation may prove too great for you. Furthermore, some people get lonely or depressed without a plan, too.
By creating a plan for the evening, you can prevent any negative things from happening as well as warding off loneliness. You could have dinner with a few friends and watch the fireworks at a family-friendly location, or stay home and have over supportive friends.
Enlist support
It’s always a good idea to gain the support and help of others in your recovery efforts. If you know you are going to have a difficult time when the fourth of July comes, then be prepared. Let your loved ones know in advance so they can be with you. When a support system surrounds you, you gain strength and stamina to persevere during challenging times.
Practice prevention
A comprehensive relapse prevention plan is another critical component of your plan for the fourth of July. Part of being successful and staying on the path of recovery is to have a plan for prevention. Here are some relapse prevention ideas you can implement:
- Attend a group meeting at a drug rehab center
- Join an aftercare program at a treatment facility
- Participate in group therapy
As you become a part of a recovery community, you’ll gain strength to overcome the challenges of each passing year.
Ready for a Sober Fourth of July?
At Serenity Light, our mission is to offer you a pathway to light and healing. We want to ensure you are successful in your quest to start life anew, so our compassionate therapists will walk beside you every step of the way. Using evidence-based therapy modalities, we support comprehensive therapy programs such as:
- Family Therapy Program
- Individual Therapy Program
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Program
- Dialectical Therapy Program
- Biofeedback Therapy Program
- EMDR Therapy Program
Spend a sober fourth of July this year and discover the joy of your new life. You can overcome addiction by connecting with a drug treatment center. Contact us at (281) 431-6700, and we’ll get you on the road to recovery.
As our CEO, Heather’s main calling is to stay true to the vision of the organization, which is saving lives and striving to redefine statistics by raising the standard of care with evolving treatment methods. Heather studied psychology at LSU and both the main and Clear Lake campuses of the University of Houston, and she is a certified IASIS provider and CPI instructor. She’s been helping people in recovery since 2011. Heather’s motto to live by is “I am not what I’ve done; I am what I’ve overcome.”
