For far too long, society has associated partying with drug and alcohol use. This is highly misleading as you never need to use drugs or drink alcohol to have a good time. Just because you are in recovery does not mean you have to give up having fun. Instead, it is imperative for you to learn how you can feel pleasure without substances.
Understand What You Are Up Against
Prior to attending any parties or events, you need to make one thing adamantly clear to yourself. You will be exposed to triggers. Whether you are going to a house party, a beach party, a dance club, or wherever, there will be people there and, most likely, they will be drinking or doing drugs. Going to these places alone can trigger cravings, but seeing people in action may trigger your brain.
In order to protect yourself from giving in to temptation, you should get to the bottom of them. You need to understand what leads to a relapse in order to minimize the possibility of it happening to you.
As an addict, you are not guaranteed to relapse. Instead, you need to learn how to redefine what a “party” is to you.
What You Can Do – Five Steps of Refusal
- Internalize your decision before going to the party. At first, you may have difficulty saying no when offered drugs or alcohol. This becomes easier with practice. You must first make the decision internally that you will deny offers and it will be easier to do so vocally. Keep all the answers brief and concise.
- Use body language when necessary. Some partygoers may become hostile or try to pressure you into accepting their offerings. Do not give into them. Instead, turn to someone else that is standing or sitting nearby. If they do not get the message that you are not interested, walk away.
- Plan your exit strategy before you go to the party. Parties that you attend need to be on your own terms. If things get crazy, you need to be able to leave in order to avoid triggering a relapse. Quite often, addicts find it best to leave at the height of the party in order to take away the best memories.
- Carry around a non-alcoholic beverage. Having a drink in your hand that is non-alcoholic will help keep your mind straight when others offer you alcoholic drinks.
- Bring sober friends to the party. Having an excellent support team will help encourage you to stay on track while having a good time.
If you truly cannot handle the idea of partying without drugs and alcohol yet, simply do not go. You need to change your mindset to better yourself. It is important for you to look at sobriety as a new chapter in your life full of fun, laughter, joy, and, most importantly, health.
At Asana Recovery, our residential program is designed to help you get back to a happier and healthier life. We understand social events are part of life, and there are many ways we can help you adjust to being sober while still having fun.
The residential treatment programs at Asana Recovery offer full support in a relaxing and inspirational environment. We are truly committed to your long-term recovery and to help to guide you to a brighter future. We are always available to help. Call us at (949) 438-4504 to see how our comprehensive treatment program can help you.
