Written by SoberinfoHalloween is a fun holiday for kids and adults alike. You get dressed up in a fun costume and gather with friends for a night of spooky, exciting memories. Unfortunately, Halloween parties are often associated with drinking and substance use. According to the National Retail Federation, alcohol sales increase by 30% whenever Halloween falls on a Friday or Saturday.Using alcohol and drugs not only puts yourself at risk but can affect the people around you as well. Driving under the influence can be one of the most dangerous parts of Halloween. 42% of fatal traffic accidents on Halloween nights between 2013 and 2017 involved a drunk driver, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.Drinking and drug use on Halloween also poses a threat to people in recovery. You might think that staying alcohol- and drug-free disqualifies you from participating in the festivities. Your sobriety doesn’t have to put a damper on your night, though staying sober is the best way to ensure a fun and safe night for both yourself and everyone else.You can still have a good night with friends without having to drink or use drugs. These 7 tips to celebrate Halloween sober are a great place to start.
Hosting your own Halloween party ensures that you get to call the shots. Gather a few friends together and hold your own alcohol- and substance-free festivity. There are plenty of ways you can celebrate the holiday without having to drink or use drugs.
Halloween is the perfect time to dust the covers off some of your favorite horror movies. Have a horror movie marathon with a few friends to celebrate Halloween sober. You can choose all the movies yourself or ask each friend to bring their favorite horror film. Pop some popcorn, bake Halloween themed treats, and get in the Halloween spirit.
Pumpkin carving is to Halloween what decorating the Christmas tree is to Christmas. Carving pumpkins either by yourself or with friends is a fantastic way to celebrate Halloween sober. Gather a group of friends or family members, or even spend the evening on your own, and carve a pumpkin or two. Set a candle inside for a spooky ambiance and place your decoration on your porch.
Watching children experience the excitement of Halloween can be one of the best parts of the holiday. If you don’t have children of your own to celebrate the night with, see if you can join in with a friend and their family. Experiencing Halloween through the eyes of a kid can be a fun way to spend the evening and keep you from turning to drugs or alcohol.
Attending a recovery meeting is always a great idea, regardless of the day. If you’re struggling to celebrate Halloween sober, though, going to a recovery meeting can help. Many groups hold their regular meetings on holidays to provide a supportive space. Don’t let staying at home during COVID-19 stop you from finding a meeting, there are many support groups online. You’ll find yourself among people who know exactly what you’re dealing with and can support you in your sobriety.
You can still attend a regular Halloween gathering even though you’re sober. Staying alcohol- and drug-free doesn’t mean automatic exclusion from parties. There’s still the risk of temptation to drink or use, though, so it’s a good idea to bring a recovery buddy with you. Find a friend who has the night free and would be willing to act as an accountability partner throughout the night. It’s even easier to celebrate Halloween sober if that friend is in recovery, too.
Just like staying sober doesn’t exclude you from festivities, Halloween doesn’t mean you need to spend the night out. There’s nothing wrong with having a night to yourself. Feel free to say “No, thank you,” to invitations if you’d rather spend the night at home. You can celebrate Halloween sober by watching a movie, cooking a meal, or using your time on your favorite hobby. Halloween marks a night of going out for some people but it can mark a night of self-care and sobriety for you.
