#sober tips

The temperature is mercilessly rising and the sun is shining bright this summer. There’s nothing like a refreshing nonalcoholic beverage to stay cool and beat the heat. When you’re in recovery, though, summer holiday parties where participating in the celebration all but mandates having a hard drink in one’s hand can make staying sober seem like an intimidating feat. But fear not, dear readers. We have some tips to help you stay cool and maintain your recovery in the sweet summertime.

  Plan Ahead

If you feel comfortable and are able to do so, reach out to the hosts in advance and inform them of your sobriety. This will help both you and them to create and and enjoy an environment of comfort and safety for everyone. Be prepared to firmly but politely answer questions as to why you’re not drinking. You can always say you simply don’t want to or, should you feel comfortable doing so, briefly explain that you are sober and do not drink. You can also offer to supply some soft drinks for the party as options for others who also do not wish to drink, which brings us to my next point:

Bring Your Own Beverage

There’s nothing better than a polite party guest who brings a generous offering to the hosts table. What’s more, you’d be gifting guests (and yourself!) with your favorite soft drink(s). Just make sure to stash a few cans of La Croix (or whatever your pleasure) in the fridge with your name labeled on them so you have something nice and cold to wet your whistle. 

  Stay Proud and Grounded

Keep the phone number of your AA sponsor and/or that of a trusted friend to call if you start to feel tempted. You’re there to have a good time just the same as anybody else, but that can often lead to pressure from others who don’t understand or respect your recovery to try and tempt you. Party with strength and confidence, knowing that you have a support system to whom you can reach out.

  Remember: You Have a Choice

My Top 5 Answers to the “Why?”

I think the most common question that I have been getting when discussing my sobriety is “why?” Its almost as if everyone that you talk to wants to hear some devastating story that led to my decision to choose sobriety. A story of waking up in the gutter or jail or wherever. I don’t have that story to share. I do have numerous stories of bad decisions and lucky breaks while I was drinking but…

Tips for a Safe and Sober Thanksgiving

As we all know, Thanksgiving is a day to give thanks for all that we have in our lives, whether that be family and friends, personal insight, or even just a second chance.

Everyone here at Solutions Recovery, Inc. would like to wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving.

If this is your first Thanksgiving while on the road to recovery, or even if it’s just one of the many you have had since getting back to life, we would like to share a few tips and tricks on how to enjoy this day and the upcoming holidays while staying clean, safe, and sober.

Solutions Recovery’s tips for staying safe and sober this Thanksgiving: - Attend meetings and pick up and updated meeting calendar here at The Solutions Wellness Campus - Stay connected with your sponsor and therapist. - Be smart about who you make plans with. - Bring a cup of coffee or cider to a party, this keeps people from offering you a drink. - If you are comfortable, share your story. This lets people know where you stand, but may also inspire someone else. - Set boundaries for yourself and your family. - Bring a partner. This can be a friend or co-worker, really anybody that can help you stick to predetermined boundaries. - Remember what you’re thankful for and repeat them in your mind during pressure situations

And most importantly remember, The holidays are a time to celebrate, give thanks, and reconnect with the ones that care about you the most, and with a clear head and healthy body, you can show them they mean the most to you as well.

Wishing you and your loved ones a wonderful holiday,