Holidays can be especially tough on the recovering addict. Holidays, like the Fourth of July encourage family members and friends to get together and celebrate. Most celebrations include alcohol and other addictive substances. A recovering addict might feel like they have to give up celebrations all together. However, with the right amount of planning and creating a trouble plan ahead of time, you too can celebrate the upcoming summer holidays.
Understand your environment ahead of time
It is best to avoid any surprises. It is often more difficult to resist temptation when you are prepared for that temptation. When you are blind sighted, it can be tough to resist those addicted feelings. Try to understand the environment you are heading into, ahead of time. Approximately 53% of adults in the United States have reported that one or more of their close relatives has a drinking problem. It is possible that you will not be alone at this upcoming party. Either way, attempt to understand how much and what type of substances will be available at the party. That way, you can make a better decision as to whether or not you can handle it.
Bring a trusted guest
Most parties are open to friends of friends. Bringing a guest with you can help you reduce temptation. One of the most common causes of alcohol abuse is a fear of social situations. Some people turn to alcohol and drugs to increase their comfort when they are surrounded by strangers. Attending a party with unknown guests can be a trigger to using after attending an alcohol rehab program. Substance abuse treatment programs work on improving social skills. However, if you are still working on these skills or have just recently left the alcohol rehab center, it could be helpful to bring a trusted companion with you.
Have a backup plan
There is nothing worse for a recovering addict than to get stuck in a tempting situation. If you find the summer party to be too overwhelming and do not have transportation to leave, you could find yourself in a very difficult situation. Another thing often taught in substance abuse treatment programs is to have some type of a backup plan. This could be a guest that is willing to leave to drive you home. It could also be a sponsor or friend that has agreed to be on call for you during these events. Having a backup plan will ensure that you are prepared, regardless of the situation that you are exposed to.
Beware of co occurring disorders
Substance abuse treatment programs often educate the patient on co occurring disorders. It is possible that your addiction can transfer to other substances. Do not make the mistake of using a different type of substance in an attempt to avoid the first one. Many recovering addicts find themselves in a rehab center for a newly developed addiction. For example, people who suffer from an alcohol abuse disorder are 23 times more likely to develop a compulsive gambling disorder. While you are newly recovering from the addiction treatment center, it is best to avoid any type of activity that could result in an added addiction.
Alcohol addiction is extremely common in the United States. In fact, more than 7% of the adult population in the U.S., nearly 13.8 million Americans, have problems with drinking, including 8.1 million people who suffer from alcoholism. Part of its cause of popularity is that alcohol is a legal substance. It is found at many events, including summer Fourth of July parties. If you are a newly recovered addict who has recently completed one of the substance abuse treatment programs, it can be beneficial to develop a plan before attending parties with alcohol. Creating a plan ahead of time will prepare you for any possibilities of temptation and will help you hold onto your soberness.
