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Practical tips to protect your sobriety on St. Patrick’s Day
Achieving sobriety is a unique process for everyone involved. There are obstacles along the way, ups and downs, and most work hard to protect their sobriety. This does not mean avoiding all social engagement but rather planning and knowing personal limitations.
St. Patrick’s Day celebrations often include family-friendly events, community celebrations, and sober St. Patrick’s Day gatherings. If you choose to celebrate over the St. Paddy’s Day weekend, you can use some practical tips to protect your sobriety and enjoy yourself.
For instance, remind yourself why you are sober, and don’t do it alone. You can still have fun and celebrate, but do it with other sober people. Everyone has their reasons for stopping drinking; remind yourself of those reasons and hold yourself accountable.
Know your triggers; it doesn’t matter if you are a recovering addict or have removed alcohol from your life. Be cautious around possible triggers that pose a challenge. Most people in this situation skip the bar and find something fun to do or go to a sober St. Patrick’s Day celebration.
Keep a non-alcoholic drink or mocktail in your hand. People will not bother you to ask if you want a drink if you already have something to sip on, like a mocktail. This also leads to planning how to say no. You will encounter social pressure if you go to a bar on St. Patrick’s Day. It’s unavoidable. It’s wise to practice ways to refuse alcohol.
Finally, if all else fails, take a walk outside if you feel overwhelmed. The most straightforward solutions are usually the best. Remove yourself from any situation you know will lead to relapse. This is also why it’s essential to be with a sober friend or loved one; there is accountability and someone to lean on.
Moreover, it’s essential to highlight sobriety’s personal and societal benefits. Personally, you’ll see drastic improvements in your physical and mental well-being. Socially, you are removing all chances of impaired driving, whether you’re sober on St. Patrick’s Day or any day.
Unfortunately, when heavy alcohol use is promoted, there could be more instances of drunk or drugged driving, but prevention and education efforts have paid off in the state. According to the Nebraska Department of Transportation, alcohol-related crashes have been on a steady decline since 2011. In 2020, alcohol-related traffic fatalities accounted for 32% of all traffic fatalities.
If you are celebrating St. Patrick’s Day sober, take the necessary steps to protect your sobriety and look out for another. If you are consuming alcohol over the St. Paddy’s Day weekend, drink responsibly, know your limits, and do not drink and drive.
— Marie Garceau has been working in the field of substance use and addiction recovery for over a decade. She works at DRS and primarily focuses on reaching out to the community and spreading awareness.