Memorial Day weekend is an excellent time for families and friends to get together and have a good time. For young adults with alcohol use disorders, sober activities are a great way to maintain sobriety without staying home alone. At Red Oak Recovery® in Asheville, NC, we have an alcohol rehab program dedicated to young men struggling to maintain sobriety despite the pressures posed by celebrations and holidays.
Staying Sober Over Memorial Day Weekend
In addition to honoring veterans, many people have barbecues and other activities that often involve alcohol. You may find it challenging to enjoy the festivities while avoiding the temptation posed by alcohol. Follow the tips below to navigate the holiday safely without becoming a hermit.
Stay Away from Public and Private Events Serving Alcohol
Many people attend boat races, festivals, music events, and other venues over the long Memorial Day Weekend. If this is the first year following the completion of an alcohol rehab program, you may want to avoid any event that serves alcohol. When you’re having a good time, and everyone around you has a drink in their hand, it could trigger a relapse. Fortunately, there are plenty of activities that don’t put your sobriety at risk.
Volunteer to Spend Time With Retired Veterans
You can remember the real meaning behind the holiday and volunteer at a local veterans’ hospital. Many veterans now live in retirement homes where it can sometimes get lonely. Talking to those who have served our country can help you understand the true meaning behind Memorial Day and help you feel good about how you spent the day.
Sober Activities with the Family
Netflix watch parties, board games, and a nonalcoholic barbecue in the backyard are great ways to spend time with your parents, siblings, and friends. Why not start a new tradition of sober activities hosted by like-minded men and women in recovery?
Many people feel that they have to isolate themselves to avoid alcohol. However, social isolation can eventually lead to depression and other mental health disorders. To avoid triggering a relapse, it’s better to find healthy ways to enjoy sober activities with those you love.
Do You Need an Alcohol Rehab Program?
Nobody’s perfect, and even those who have completed substance use treatment programs may need a refresher now and again. If you or someone you know has an alcohol use disorder, recommend a program that focuses on gender-specific treatment for young adults.
At Red Oak Recovery®, we offer men’s substance use treatment programs with the following therapies:
Admitting that you need help takes an act of courage, and we applaud you for making the right decision for your continued sobriety.
Build a Strong Support Network
Once you complete your recovery program and return home, you may have a difficult time reintegrating into everyday life. However, you can combat this overwhelming feeling by building a strong network of friends and resources.
Besides hosting and attending sober activities on Memorial Day weekend, you can look into 12-step programs in your area. Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous are two of the most effective groups with members who share your experiences. Additionally, you can find support when something triggers your alcohol use disorder.
Seek Treatment at Red Oak Recovery®
Maintaining sobriety during Memorial Day weekend poses a huge challenge to many young adults in recovery. If you or someone you know needs assistance overcoming their alcohol use disorder, recommend the gender-specific addiction treatment programs at Red Oak Recovery®. Contact us today at 866.457.7590 to speak with a member of our enrollment staff and begin your journey toward sobriety.