Prioritizing Recovery on the Fourth of July

The Haven at Pismo would like to wish everyone in recovery a safe and sober Fourth of July. We grasp that holidays are not always the most pleasurable times of the year for many people who work a program. For newcomers or men and women in their first year, a significant holiday can present considerable obstacles.

Feelings and emotions accompany special days of the year. Such sentiments can elicit happiness; they can also bring melancholy. The program teaches people how to cope with uncomfortable sensations and memories, but it’s not always easy to implement one’s tools during holidays that are typified by heavy alcohol use.

Across the country, millions of adults find themselves beer-in-hand on July 4th. Men and women in recovery do their best to avoid situations that involve copious amounts of alcohol, which isn’t easy on Independence Day. Taking steps to mitigate one’s exposure to booze can reduce temptations to use.

If you are in your first year of recovery, then sticking close to your support network today is strongly advised. It’s worth reminding yourself that the disease of addiction is cunning, baffling, and powerful. Always best to err on the side of caution, even if you think you can handle being around drinking. Triggers can happen in an instant, and there is always the possibility that urge will become too potent to resist.

Conversely, shutting yourself in for the day is not beneficial either. Like any day in recovery, striking a balance between program and pleasure is the best course of action. One’s sobriety must be the priority number one; each person has a responsibility to safeguard their progress.

Prioritizing Recovery on the Fourth of July

On days of the year when Americans overprime their drinking pumps, some men and women in recovery are inclined to isolate. They would do just as well to avoid exposure to the one thing on the planet they cannot have; on the surface, checking-out for the day appears sound. However, a closer examination reveals the opposite; avoidance via isolation can compound the feelings of exclusion. The sensation that one has when they feel like they are missing out can be depressing.

Sadness can lead people down unfortunate lines of thinking that could result in even stronger desires to use drugs or alcohol. In an effort to avoid the risks of solitude, people in recovery are best served by taking action on the Fourth of July. Attend meetings, be of service, and seek out pleasurable opportunities to bond with one’s support network.

Attending parties that involve drinking is not conducive to furthering people’s goals; but, going to recovery-sponsored gatherings today is beneficial. Men and women in recovery like to have a good time, just like everyone else. However, they can enjoy themselves in such a way as to not jeopardize all their hard work.

During significant days of the year, sober people host dinners, cookouts, and dances. Recovery asks people to work a program and have fun too; shutting the door on life is not a viable option. A good recipe for holidays is to listen to the needs of your program and take part in sober festivities. If you do not already have plans, then go to a meeting and ask your support network what they are doing for the rest of the day. There is a good chance that something fun will follow.

We hope that you will resist the temptation to isolate and avoid taking unnecessary risks. Staying sober during a holiday can be just like any other day of the year, with the help of your support network and a plan of action.

SLO County Addiction Treatment

It is not uncommon for men and women to decide to seek the help of recovery services during a major holiday. Stand-out days of the year can be excellent times to turn people’s lives around. Please contact The Haven at Pismo if you are struggling with addiction; our center is the perfect place to renew to your best today.