St. Patrick’s Day is one those days that is associated with drinking alcohol. Regular patrons of bars use this day to justify heavy drinking while moderate “amateur” drinkers think it is fun to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at happy hour. The irony is that the original holiday that started in Ireland in the 1760’s, kept their pubs closed in observation of St. Patrick’s Day until around 1970 when Ireland desired the same revelry that they knew was happening across the pond in the United States. Wearing green, drinking green beer, and acting like a Leprechaun are staples that are still celebrated every year on March 17th.
In recovery, the goal is to stay sober for 365 days a year, including all the holidays, with the one day at a time mentality. With a holiday like St. Patrick’s Day, it can become tempting to give up on your sobriety on such a fun day of celebration. Fantasizing about going to the parade, and then taking the parade to the bar may seem like the normal tradition that you have enjoyed following in the past. What you should do next is play the tape forward past the part to where what you may perceive as normal entertainment, turns into the slurring, falling, illogical drunk that is headed in a dangerous way.
Depending on how new you are in sobriety, it is ok to bow out of a social situation that might put your sobriety in jeopardy. Although you may consider yourself solid in your recovery, knowing what your triggers and cravings are can help you to figure out if going to a celebration where people are drinking is a good idea. If you are unaware of what your weaknesses are when it comes to alcohol, it is better to stay out of a bar full of temptations, then to go into it without being able to protect yourself.
Staying sober on St. Patrick’s Day can be fun. If you do not feel like you can endure the normal celebrations, make your own! Host a party that includes green smoothie drinks and green cupcakes, and be sure to pinch people when they are not wearing green. Make the most of recovery, because sobriety is much more fun than the alternative of what could happen.
The best reason to stay sober on St. Patrick’s Day is because it will give the momentum that you need in recovery that comes from the big and small victories that are achieved from not drinking no matter what. Staying sober on St, Patrick’s Day is considered a victory and that is no blarney.
Serenity Oaks Wellness Center caters to people who want to stay sober from drugs and alcohol. Our well-trained staff can be instrumental in showing you how to adorn your soul in recovery.
Call us today:
844-720-6847
