Everyone may be Irish on this widely celebrated day, but not everyone has to drink to enjoy it
St. Patrick’s Day is an unofficial holiday often associated with alcohol, partying, and binge drinking. However, many ways exist to celebrate this festive day sober and without relapsing.
Key Takeaways
- St. Patrick’s Day is a common annual trigger for alcohol or drug usage, but being proactive can help prevent a relapse.
- One key is advance consideration of what to do if triggers occur while celebrating.
- Staying connected to friends and family who are supportive of your recovery.
- Having an emergency plan in place if you are concerned about relapsing.
- Attending a parade or festival to enjoy the day.
- Shifting the focus from alcohol to food by hosting or attending a (dry) St. Patrick’s Day potluck.
- Trying some mocktails if non-alcoholic options aren’t a trigger.
St. Patrick’s Day is just one holiday that could trigger alcohol or drug usage. Even if the day itself isn’t a trigger, it may present unique circumstances or reintroduce people who may be triggering. But there are proactive steps anyone can take to avoid relapsing. And being safe doesn’t mean not having fun.
Enjoy the Day Without Relapsing
Here are three tips on preparing for St. Patrick’s Day to ensure you have a good time without risking recovery from addiction.
- Plan Ahead: Knowing your specific triggers (ex., people, locations, or scenarios) and which ones you may encounter on St. Patrick’s Day ensures you can create a personal plan on how to respond before they happen.
- Stay Connected: Stay connected to friends and family who support your recovery. If you can’t be with them physically, making plans with people you trust to text, call, or otherwise check in frequently can go a long way in supporting recovery.
- Have Emergency Options: Even the best planning can’t predict every possible scenario. Make sure you know how to contact your recovery counselor or someone else who can help you if you need to talk to someone who supports your recovery.
There are plenty of fun ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day safe and sober
Enjoy the Day Without Drinking
Here are three tips on how to enjoy St. Patrick’s Day without drinking alcohol.
- Celebrate at a Parade or Festival: Many cities and towns host St. Patrick’s Day parades or festivals with live music, food, and other fun activities. Some are even specifically alcohol-free. Attending these events is a great way to celebrate the holiday without feeling pressured to drink.
- Shift the Focus to Food: Gather friends and family for a St. Patrick’s Day potluck where everyone brings a dish or sobriety-friendly drink to share. Traditional Irish dishes like corned beef and cabbage, shepherd’s pie, or Irish soda bread are just a few ideas of what to bring. This is a great way to enjoy the great company around traditional Irish foods without the focus being on alcohol.
- Make Some Mocktails: Mocktails are creative opportunities to drink at a party with some festive, non-alcoholic options. Making mocktails that are green in color or have an Irish theme. Some popular examples include shamrock shakes, green smoothies, and non-alcoholic Irish coffee.
St. Patrick’s Day is a fun and festive holiday that can be enjoyed without the consumption of alcohol. By being careful and trying some of the above tips, you can have a great time celebrating the day while safe and sober.
Celebrate and Protect Your Sobriety Year-Round with BrightView
If you or someone you care about is struggling with alcohol or drug dependence, contact BrightView today. Our comprehensive, medication-assisted outpatient program offers a convenient, flexible alternative to conventional treatment. Contact us at 888.501.9865 or online for information on our recovery services available throughout the U.S.
