For those in recovery, Cinco de Mayo can prove a challenge. This holiday celebrates a historic victory by the Mexican army over the French in 1862. Although Mexico eventually lost the war, people still observe May 5th with celebrations that often involve alcohol. The staff at Red Oak Recovery® has put together a few tips to help young adults maintain their sobriety. With a bit of creativity, sober holidays can be just as fun as those with alcohol. If you or someone you love needs help overcoming their alcohol use disorder, we have an effective alcohol rehab program that can help. Contact our team today at 866.457.7590 to learn about our addiction treatment programs.
Importance of Sober Holidays
The first year after completing an alcohol rehab program often poses the greatest danger of a relapse. Holidays such as Cinco de Mayo can trigger alcohol use and act as a setback for young men who have recently completed addiction treatment programs. Therefore, we’ve put together some tips to help you keep busy, have fun, and stay sober on May 5th.
Celebrate With a Small Group
Public celebrations provide ample opportunity to obtain alcohol. To avoid triggering a relapse, you may want to ask over a few friends and family members. You can try your hand at making Mexican food or set up a taco bar for guests to make their own meals. With some music and good friends, you can make sober holidays much better than ones that lead to passing out and waking up with a hangover.
Avoid Staying Home Alone
Staying home alone may seem like a great way to avoid alcohol on Cinco de Mayo. However, social isolation can lead to depression and other mental health disorders. Instead of hiding yourself away, hang out with friends your own age who don’t drink. There’s no reason you can’t enjoy the holiday without risking your sobriety.
Do Something for Someone Else
If celebrating the holiday proves too much of a temptation, consider keeping yourself busy with volunteer events. Helping others makes you feel good and takes your mind off Cinco de Mayo parties that you attended in the past.
If volunteering doesn’t appeal to you, keep it simple. Write a card, cute text, or other communication for those who helped you through your alcohol rehab program.
Make a Self-Care Plan
You can spend time on self-care to take your mind off the festivities. From cleaning your room to giving yourself a facial, practicing self-care reminds you to put your health first. This may make it easier to get through sober holidays without feeling left out.
Alcohol Rehab Program at Red Oak Recovery®
You don’t have to struggle on your own. If Cinco de Mayo or another holiday makes you crave alcohol or drugs, reach out for help. Red Oak Recovery® offers alcohol rehab programs that include the following therapies:
- Gender-specific therapy
- Men’s rehab
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
- Family therapy
If you do have a relapse, we are always here to help you get back on track. Our men’s rehab programs give our clients an opportunity to receive treatment in a safe space without the distractions of mixed groups.
Seek Treatment at Red Oak Recovery®
Red Oak Recovery® helps young men and women celebrate sober holidays at Cinco de Mayo and other special events. If you’re ready to say goodbye to alcohol use disorder, our licensed therapists in Asheville, North Carolina, can help you get to the bottom of your alcohol dependency. For the best possible chance of finding or maintaining sobriety, contact us at 866.457.7590 today to find out how to get started.
