Tips for Maintaining Sobriety During Labor Day Weekend

How to Avoid Triggers While Enjoying Labor Day Festivities

It can be difficult for people in sobriety is to avoid relapse during holidays where drinking is a focus point.  The long Labor Day weekend is generally filled with pool parties or days at the beach.  These festivities mixed with alcohol or drugs can have devastating results.  For people in sobriety, the holiday can present temptations hard to resist.  Fortunately, there are many Labor Day alternatives that do not involve alcohol.

  • If you choose to attend a weekend party, B.Y.O.B (Bring your own beverage).  BYOB does not have to include beer, wine or spirits.  Bring your own non-alcohol beverage to any parties you choose to attend during the holiday weekend.
  • Find a sober buddy.  It may surprise you, but there are many people who choose not to drink.  There are many different reasons for choosing sobriety, health, religion, and family are some of the most common.  Find a sober buddy to enjoy Labor Day activities with.  There is strength in numbers.
  • Choose non-alcohol related events.  Not all Labor Day happenings have to involve alcohol.  Camping is a great way to connect with nature, a day at the beach doesn’t have to involve alcoholic drinks, most family-oriented events do not involve alcohol and encourage people to be free from impairment.  Just remember there are options!

If you do choose to attend an event with alcohol, have an exit plan.  If you being to feel uncomfortable, you have the power to leave.  Make sure that you reach out for help.  You do not have to do this alone.  Whether your support system is friends and family or a professional counselor, they can help you maintain your sobriety and avoid relapse.

California native – consider sober events like the 44th Annual Western Roundup Living Sober Conference

Like running?  Maybe a 10k or half-marathon is more your speed.  Local AA chapters generally post sober activities like the Central Office of Los Angeles’s Online Resource for Alcoholics Anonymous.