Whether you’ve reached one month or one year of being sober, it’s important to celebrate this important milestone in your life. Being in recovery is not an easy journey. It involves a roller coaster of emotions, triumphs, and challenges that can test even the most determined individuals. Recognizing your own efforts gives you the chance to reflect on how far you’ve come and this can also motivate you further to continue your sobriety journey.
For many people in recovery, it can be difficult to find a way to celebrate that does not involve alcohol. After all, parties are often associated with drinking. However, there are clean and sober ways to celebrate without the booze. Here are some suggestions you can try out.
1. Go Shopping
Celebrating is not always about being with other people. It can also be a very personal experience where you reward yourself for a job well done. Buying yourself something nice is a great way to commemorate your sobriety anniversary. This can be something you’ve saved up for or it can also be a simple memento to remind you of your success.
2. Spa Treatment
Treat yourself with a spa treatment and indulge for a day. This is another good idea if you’re not the type of person who likes to celebrate with a group of people. Going for a relaxing massage, a facial, or a body treatment is an amazing way to spend some “me-time”. Aside from the calming effects of this self-care routine, massage therapy has been shown to be beneficial for people in addiction recovery.
3. Ice Cream
When was the last time you went for an ice cream run? This childlike activity is a wholesome way to spend an afternoon and celebrate your sobriety milestone. Don’t just pick up a tub from the store, instead, go to something fancy like a gelato shop, a froyo shop or a gourmet ice cream parlor. Try out the wildest flavor you can find and enjoy!
4. Laser Tag
If you’re looking for an activity where you can celebrate with a group of friends, then laser tag is always a good idea. Laser tag is a great way to spend time and have fun without drinking. This is also a great bonding experience for groups of people. In fact, our Alumni Program occasionally hosts Laser Tag Night to bring together our former residents and staff.
5. High Ropes Activity
If you’re looking for something more challenging, test out your balancing skills in a high ropes obstacle course! The high ropes activity is an activity that helps people in recovery face their fears and develop self-confidence. This is another activity that our Alumni Program hosts for our former residents.
6. Karaoke Night
If you fancy yourself as the next American Idol, invite some friends for karaoke! Sing your heart out and celebrate your success with motivating tunes. Belt out songs to mark your triumph such as “Firework” by Katy Perry, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger” by Kelly Clarkson, and “Survivor” by Destiny’s Child. Check out this addiction recovery playlist for other song ideas.
7. Comedy Club
A trip to the comedy club to have some laughs is another way to celebrate your sobriety. Watching stand-up comedy can help you loosen up and take yourself less seriously. There are also comedians who specifically have addiction recovery as their central theme and this is something you might enjoy and relate with.
8. Camping or Skiing
If you’re a nature lover, going on a camping or skiing trip can help you relax and unwind. This really depends on which part of the country you live in and what season you’re in. Of course, you can always travel out of state if you have the financial means to do so.
9. Wellness Retreat
People in recovery who are celebrating their first year sober anniversary often look at the option of travelling. However, there is always the fear of how to stay sober while travelling. One ideal option is to go on a wellness retreat. Many different wellness retreats are designed for people who value their health and want to recharge. Most of these wellness retreats are often inclusive of spa treatments, yoga sessions, healthy food, and other related activities.
10. Give Back
Volunteering in an organization that helps people struggling with substance abuse can be a meaningful way to celebrate your personal milestone. You can give back to the recovery community either by sharing your time, your resources, or your recovery story. Sharing your experience with other people and being an inspiration to them might not look like the typical “celebration”, however, you’ll be surprised at how fulfilling these experiences can be.
If you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse, help is available.
Contact Morningside Recovery today.