New Year’s Eve is one of the most notorious nights of the year for drinking and partying. In fact, 71% more crashes occur on New Year’s Eve than on non-holiday weekend nights. Many New Year’s traditions involve parties and celebrating the coming year with alcohol. Thus, if you have a problem with drugs or alcohol, staying sober on New Year’s Eve can be a real struggle.
Have a Plan
This is the most important part of staying sober on New Year’s Eve. You must have a plan in place before the day arrives. No matter how you choose to celebrate, your chances of being successful are much higher if you know what you are going to do, and how to handle temptation.
Staying in for a Sober New Year’s Eve
The simplest way to stay sober on New Year’s Eve is to celebrate at home. Invite close family or friends. Have a game night. Watch the countdown. Have a movie marathon. Have a vision board party. These are all excellent ways to celebrate New Year’s. Also, holding the celebration at your home also gives you the right to ask that none of your guests bring alcohol or drugs.
Attending a New Years Eve Party
If you choose to go to a New Year’s party, you will need to take some precautions. First, you should decline any invitation that has alcohol as the main focus. For example, if it’s a wine tasting party, it will be very difficult to stay sober. If it’s a party where alcohol is being served, you will need to ask yourself if you can be around alcohol and not drink. Either answer is ok, as long as it’s the honest one.
If you do choose to attend a party with alcohol or encounter it unexpectedly, you’ll need to decide how to handle it beforehand. One option is to explain to the host and guests if possible that you are maintaining sobriety. Most people will respect this and won’t offer you alcohol.
Regardless, you’ll need to decide how to handle it if you are offered alcohol. Heat of the moment, the temptation can be difficult, but having a phrase or two ready can help. If you have a non-alcoholic drink, then simply say, “Thank you, but I already have a drink.” If you don’t, you can say “not right now” or “I’m ok. Thanks”.
Take a Trip
A trip or vacation can be an excellent way to spend a sober New Year’s Eve. But it doesn’t have to be a long way away or very expensive. Consider a day trip. Go to a nearby town or attraction that you’ve meant to visit. Spend the day doing something you enjoy, and rent a hotel room for New Year’s Night. Often hotels are booked up on New Year’s, so you’ll want a reservation ahead of time.
You could also go stay with friends or family that don’t live in your immediate area. Sometimes a change of scenery can help with sobriety. If you are away from the places and situations you normally used, it can help reduce the temptation.
Alco-Thons
Often, Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous host “marathon meetings” on New Year’s Eve. They may have an open style meeting that lasts for the entire day, a party that night, or both. These events can be a lot of fun, and they give you a safe place to enjoy yourself while working on your recovery. It’s a win-win!
Celebrate Safely With Granite Recovery Centers
If you are struggling with a drug or alcohol problem and don’t feel that you can make it through a sober New Year’s Eve, you should contact us. Granite Recovery Centers have programs ranging from outpatient to residential treatment. We provides medical detoxification for people who do not need immediate medical intervention, are not a danger to themselves, and are capable of self-evacuation in the event of an emergency.
Our programs can give you the support that you need to start the new year off right. Clean and sober. Give your family the greatest gift you can. Get the help you need. Become the best version of yourself. Don’t waste another year trying to win this battle on your own. Contact us at 855.712.7784 today.
