Celebrate Sobriety During National Recovery Month
September is National Recovery Month, a time to observe the importance of substance abuse treatment and mental health services, as well as celebrate those who have persevered/are persevering through recovery. National Recovery Month also strives to raise awareness of the multiple options for addiction recovery and substance detox, providing hope to those who may feel trapped in addiction. Additionally, it’s a time to support and congratulate those living a sober lifestyle following addiction.
Taking the step to break free of addiction was probably one of the hardest things you’ve ever done in your life. You should take the time to celebrate what you’ve accomplished, reinforcing the healthy lifestyle you’ve chosen to live. Celebrating your sobriety will show you how far you’ve come and encourage you to keep moving forward.
Five Ways to Celebrate Your Sobriety
You can celebrate your sobriety and National Recovery Month however you chose, but in case you need some ideas, consider the options below.
Explore National Recovery Month events
A number of resources are available to find events in your area celebrating Recovery Month. You can visit the National Recovery Month website to learn about activities near you, as well as call the center where you received treatment to see if they are going to have activities that you can participate in. If you’re part of a support group, see if they have plans and consider joining them to celebrate altogether. If not, you might want to plan something altogether to share in this important time.
Take note of milestone dates
Have you been sober for one month? Six months? One year? In many treatment programs, you’re encouraged to celebrate certain dates in order to reinforce the idea of the “sober clock.” If you were to slip up, you’d have to reset the clock. Having days, weeks and months of sobriety behind you can strengthen your resolve to stay sober, as well as prove to yourself how far you’ve come.
Not only noting but celebrating these dates is also important. Do it in a way that is special for you, whether that includes many people or a little quiet time spent peacefully alone.
Reward yourself
Sobriety is hard, and maintaining it is an accomplishment worth celebrating. Perhaps during Recovery Month you plan an activity you would consider a splurge to celebrate the gains you’re making in recovery. Treat yourself to a day at the spa, a weekend getaway or a new device you’ve been eyeing. Plan a big trip for your one-year milestone. It will give you something to work towards and, when you reach it, it will be a positive reinforcement of all you’ve accomplished.
Tell your story
Part of National Recovery Month’s initiative is asking those in recovery to share their stories. They believe that hearing other people’s struggles and learning how they overcame them can encourage people dealing with addiction problems to get help and feel supported and seen even in the midst of their struggle. You might volunteer to speak at an even during National Recovery Month; or, if public speaking is too much for you at this point in recovery, consider sharing your story with just one person.
Sharing your story doesn’t need to be a grandiose endeavor – it can make just as large and powerful an impact on one person if what you share is genuine, honest and true. You might encourage recovery in another in addition to reinforcing your own sobriety as you tell you story.
Give back
When you were struggling with addiction, there may have been someone in your life that reached out to help you. You can do the same for someone else. Even if you don’t feel strong enough in your recovery to work with people who have addiction problems, you can still give back to the community. Consider volunteering at a teen center, a retirement home or even an animal shelter. Helping other people is rewarding and humbling in a unique way, and can keep you focused on others when you feel tempted to withdraw back into yourself.
Celebrating sobriety
Celebrating recovery is just as important as seeking recovery – after all, it’s crucial to recognize the growth you’ve experienced this far in order to keep you motivated.
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, or in need of further resources following treatment, Freedom Detox Treatment Center is here to help. We offer outpatient therapy to help with recovery from drugs or alcohol in a safe, caring environment. Call us today at (704) 741-2928 to talk with an admissions counselor or visit our website anytime.
