One of the best events you can attend sober is the fireworks show on 4th of July. Being under the influence of drugs and alcohol may make you think that each burst of light is more psychedelically epic than the next but viewing the firecrackers with sober eyes can make the experience brilliant and dynamic. Not only can you be present in the moment, you can also remember the lights in the sky more vividly the next day.
Drugs and alcohol may have been included in past Independence Days and does not need to be present this year. Finding ways to overcome the urge to use mind-altering substances on July 4th is as easy as following a few simple tips to not drink or use no matter what.
Get ready to stay sober
Before you attend any shindig that could make your cravings and triggers come about, you should use some of your tools in your spiritual toolkit. Go to a meeting beforehand to get you in the right frame of mind if you are feeling uncomfortable. Call others in your recovery program to keep you accountable for your actions before you do anything that you regret. Connect to your Higher Power with meditation to give you the strength you need to continue staying sober one day at a time.
Leave if you get overwhelmed
Fireworks are fun except if you are stressing about the situation or feeling pressured to use or drink. The 4th of July comes every year and maybe you are not ready to get out there in this capacity yet. You may have the fear of missing out even though things will become much worse if you are unable to protect your sobriety.
Know who you are hanging out with
If you are surrounding yourself with others that abuse drugs and alcohol, you are putting yourself in a terrible position. Mingle with other sober people or bring a sober friend with you if you need support. That way if you feel like drinking or using you have someone close by that can relate to what you are feeling and remind you the reasons why you got sober in the first place.
Spend this July 4th remembering what this holiday represents - freedom. Remain active in your recovery and celebrate your independence from drugs and alcohol because sobriety is the bomb.
If you or an adolescent you know needs to get help for drug or alcohol abuse, Stonewater Adolescent Recovery Center can give you the guidance that you deserve. Establishing a strong network of family and community can reinforce practices for living substance free.
Call us today to start living in your recovery: 662-598-4214