Happy Sober Halloween

​Halloween is a call to party for many American adults. But how do you put the fun back into the special occasion if you’re on the road to recovery? The main contributing factor to your feeling like this is that the “reward circuit” of your brain. Since normal brain function was disrupted, socializing around substances likely played a major role. But be of good cheer. There is no need to feel depressed or isolated at Halloween (or any other time of the year). 
Imagine having fun without the usual side effects of parties? Can it be done? The answer: Yes –with patience and dedication. 

Did your substance abuse create a rift between you and your friends and family? If so, this is the perfect time to improve those relationships. Organize festivities at your place or accept an invitation and offer to help with the preparations. (That way, you can be sure some alcohol-free options make it to the event).

​Make up for all the times you didn’t attend this type of event because you were isolating yourself. Living a life free of substance abuse will enable you to have more fun than you can imagine. Consider how delicious everything will taste when you are sober enough to experience it. And what a relief it will be to remember everything you said and did at the party. 

​If you are not up to hosting or attending a full-blown party just yet, attend a support group for Halloween or host your own meeting, encouraging everyone to candidly speak about their feelings. You can take the opportunity to create lovely treats to share, which will help keep you occupied. What’s more, your guests will certainly appreciate the gesture. 

​Put together a neighborhood competition, offering a prize for the person who carves the best pumpkin. While everyone is carving, you can gather the seeds to roast for a guilt-free treat.  

​Decorate your house or apartment so it’s the scariest one on the block. (This will please trick-or-treaters and, again, keep you busy). Watch a Halloween movie or binge-watch a TV series. Organize this with friends and makes some treats to enjoy. Another option is to visit a haunted house. Click here for a few to be held in and around the Riverside area. 

​Help those who are less fortunate than you. (Yes, someone is!) Doing so offers many benefits for you and your community. Volunteer at a homeless shelter, church or children’s home and give back to your community.

​One of the greatest ways to release stress is to exercise. Halloween runs are a fun way to do it. Even if you are not fit enough to run yet, you can walk the race and celebrate the holiday with others. 

​Coping with holidays is not as easy for some as it is for others. So follow these tips to make Halloween 2019 a banner occasion. Plan ahead and decide which events to attend (as well as avoid). Make sure non-alcoholic beverages will available or BYO. If you don’t feel like going alone, take a supportive friend. It’s also okay if you decide not to do anything. Staying in is a viable option as long as you spend the night doing something to contribute to your wellbeing. 

​Throughout 10 facilities in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties, we employ the Matrix Model, creating a personalized treatment program for each client. Various modalities can include behavior modification, 12-Step program introduction, cognitive behavioral therapy, and family systems techniques, including the family in group therapy. Treatment options include outpatient and inpatient detox, medication management (if appropriate), group therapy, individual therapy, relapse prevention education, and ongoing support after treatment. To find out more, call (866) 218-4697, or for non-admission related information, contact us at (951) 683-6596.