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Halloween is all-too-often linked to partying when you’re an adult, but that doesn’t have to be the case. You may be worried you can’t have fun on Halloween if you’re in recovery, but you absolutely can. While it’s still important to understand the challenges you face and be mindful of triggers or temptation, you can make spooky sober memories when you get creative.
Regardless of how you celebrate Halloween, it’ll look a little different this year. Be sure to read the CDC guidelines for safe Halloween fun and follow local coronavirus regulations to stay sober, safe and healthy.
If you’re looking forward to Halloween, but you aren’t sure what you’re going to do, make plans sooner rather than later. When you’re committed to your plans, it can help you stay sober and avoid situations you shouldn’t be in. Plus, things may book up faster this year than usual with capacity limitations due to social distancing.
If you’re not sure where to start or looking for some Halloween inspiration, we put together a list of some activities in Colorado that might be worth checking out.
If you want to have sober but also adult-friendly Halloween fun, there are spooky haunted attractions, like:
Is there anything more Halloween than scary movies? A night of horror movies or spooky-themed flicks with family or roommates is always a good way to enjoy the holiday.
While many movie theaters are closed due to COVID, there are outdoor options. For example, the Ironton Distillery in Denver is having an outdoor movie series. On October 22, they’re showing a Halloween movie. In Boulder, the department of Parks and Recreation is hosting a Halloween movie event on October 30 at the Flatiron Golf Course. There’s an early screening if you’re going with kids and a late screening for teens and adults. They’re asking for votes on what movie to play at the event. Also, the city of Golden is having a Movies & Music event on October 31 featuring “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” The movie is free, but you need to reserve a spot to go.
If scary isn’t necessarily your thing, but you’d like to get into the fall spirit, fall and Halloween-themed festivals are happening all over the state, like:
Before going to these events, make sure to read their safety procedures to make sure you’re comfortable. You’ll also want to wear masks, bring hand sanitizer and distance yourself from others.
Halloween can mean a lot of temptations or triggers for someone in recovery. If that’s a concern for you, designate a sober support system you can spend time with on that night. Even if you can’t be with them in person, arrange to be in contact with them by phone or virtually.
Halloween can be considered a holiday for children, so embrace your inner child and get into the spirit by helping with a spooky scavenger hunt, carving pumpkins or going trick-or-treating with your family or friends’ kids. You can once again remember the spirit of Halloween from the perspective of a child.
AA, NA, and other recovery groups often have their own Halloween events, with the understanding that it can be a difficult time for someone in recovery. If you don’t have friends or family you can share the event with, see if your support group has anything going on.
Don’t put yourself in a difficult or precarious situation on Halloween by being in situations that could trigger you. Be aware of your triggers, and, if necessary, write them down. This will help you stay more accountable and avoid them when the big day rolls around.
Too often, we feel obligated to participate in events like Halloween, even if they make us uncomfortable or could push us in a negative direction. You don’t have to participate in Halloween at all if it’s not right for you or could challenge your sobriety. Ultimately, do what you’re comfortable with.
If you or a loved one struggles with staying sober, know that The Recovery Village at Palmer Lake is here to help. Contact our helpful representatives to get answers to your questions and discuss if addiction treatment is right for you.
Because alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous – and even kill you – make sure you have medical advice from your doctor or a rehab facility when you decide to stop drinking.
There are many misconceptions about alcoholism that make it sound like an alcoholic is an easy person to spot, however, many alcoholics function effectively and lead relatively normal lives.
An alcohol abuse problem can include binge drinking, having negative consequences such as hangovers with your drinking but continuing anyway, and drinking despite the desire to stop.
In a recent study by The Recovery Village, 44% of respondents reported abusing alcohol in an attempt to ease uncomfortable feelings that stem from underlying anxiety.
Drinking more than three drinks in a single sitting will temporarily cause your blood pressure to rise, but extended binge drinking or regular alcohol consumption can cause a permanent increase in blood pressure.
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. “Holiday Celebrations.” September 21, 2020. Accessed October 9, 2020.
The Recovery Village at Palmer Lake aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.
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