For many people, New Year’s Eve is a time to gather with friends and family, watch the Times Square ball drop in, and celebrate with some champagne and/or cocktails.
But for those in recovery, New Year’s Eve comes with unique stress and pressure. They may want to fit in and celebrate the new year just like everyone else. They might not feel comfortable being around alcohol and those imbibing, particularly those who are newly sober.
For those who still want to ring in the new year but aren’t quite sure how to do it as a sober person, here are some tips on how to navigate, and celebrate a sober New Year’s Eve. it’s possible to find alternative ways to engage with the holiday while prioritizing mental health and community connection. This can include joining support groups, reflecting on personal growth and goals, or engaging in community service.
At Eagle Creek Recovery we don’t just help those that are looking to get sober for the first time. We are also here for those who might have suffered from a relapse and need help getting back on track. Here’s our guide to ringing in a sober New Year’s Eve.
Preparing for the New Year
As you prepare for a sober New Year’s Eve, take some time to reflect on your intentions for the upcoming year.
Some questions to consider when setting your intentions:
- What are my goals for my recovery in the new year?
- What steps can you take to continue growing and thriving in your recovery?
- How can I continue to prioritize my sobriety and well-being?
- What self-care practices can I commit to in the new year?
- How can I stay connected with my support network and community?
Consider writing down your intentions and sharing them with a trusted friend or family member for accountability. Friends, family, and spouses of addicted people are often happy to be supportive of their intentions to stay sober and keep growing.
New Year’s Eve Party Alternatives
While the typical New Year’s Eve “tradition” is to party and celebrate either privately or publicly with addictive substances, there is no rule that states you must do this. It is important to remember that you are under no obligation to go to any events that you don’t feel comfortable going to.
If you still want to get out and have some fun this New Year’s Eve, consider doing something outside the norm. There are many types of celebration that can include sobriety and still promote New Year’s Eve fun.
Book a Trip
One fun alternative to partying on New Year’s Eve is to take advantage of the long weekend and book a sober vacation. With the majority of people sticking to the more traditional New Year’s Eve activities, you will have plenty of opportunities to get away to your favorite resort or explore a new location that you have always wanted to go to. Plus, you may not feel guilty turning down a New Year’s Eve invite or coming up with an excuse as to why you can’t make it if you are out of town.
Hosting a Theme Event
Hosting a theme event is a fantastic way to celebrate New Year’s Eve in a fun and creative manner. Choose a theme that resonates with recovery, such as “New Beginnings” or “Fresh Start.” Decorate your space with balloons, streamers, and other decorations that fit your theme. You can also plan activities and games, such as a scavenger hunt or a photo booth.
Remember to keep your celebration alcohol-free and focus on fun and games that don’t require drinking. You can also use this opportunity to raise funds for a good cause, such as a local recovery organization or a charity that supports addiction recovery.
Sober New Year’s Celebrations at Home
If you are still looking to have a more traditional New Year’s Eve celebration, consider hosting a game night to create lasting memories in a sober environment with your loved ones.
If you are still in the mood to party but don’t want any of the temptations that come with the presence, consider throwing a sober party at your house. Since you are throwing the party, you control the guest list and the rules. Let people know it’s a sober event and encourage them to bring their favorite non-alcoholic drinks.
Just because you are sober doesn’t mean you can’t still indulge this New Year’s Eve. Instead of drugs or alcohol though, turn your attention to some great food. If you aren’t the world’s greatest chef, you can have the evening catered by your favorite restaurant. You can also turn it into a potluck and ask your guests to bring their favorite dish to share with the group.
Should you find yourself going out on New Year’s Eve, mocktails can be a great thing to bring with you to someone else’s house or to order at whatever bar or restaurant you may be going to. Most people won’t even be able to tell that there’s no alcohol. This can prevent you from having to have the potentially awkward conversation of why you aren’t drinking.
Maybe you don’t want to be around anyone at all on New Year’s Eve. If that’s the case, that’s okay. It’s important to not do anything that you don’t want to do. If you would rather ring in the new year on your own, you can work to set up the perfect night for yourself to enjoy. Order in or make your favorite food (healthy or not). Wear your most comfortable PJs without worrying about what anyone else might think. Whatever it is you end up deciding to do, feel free to relax and unwind from stress however you want.
There are many fun and engaging games and activities that you can enjoy on New Year’s Eve without drinking. Here are a few ideas:
- Board games: Host a game night with friends and family, and play board games such as Monopoly, Scrabble, or Clue.
- Ice skating: Many cities and towns host outdoor skating rinks during the holiday season. Grab some hot chocolate and enjoy a fun and festive activity. Seasonal offerings in general can be an easy way to make the holiday season special.
- Karaoke: Sing your favorite songs at a karaoke bar and have a blast with friends and family.
- Volunteer work: Give back to your community by volunteering at a local organization or charity, such as a soup kitchen or homelessness outreach group. You can recruit friends to come along and spend a sober New Year’s Eve helping to improve the lives of others.
- Volunteer to be a Designated Driver: If you are going to an event where alcohol will be present, offer to be the designated driver for the night. Not only will you feel good knowing that everyone will get home safe at the end of the night, but you also have a built-in response for why you aren’t drinking.
- Make Some Extra Money: If you are in a line of work where there’s an opportunity to work on NYE, consider picking up a shift and making some extra cash. You will be doing someone else a favor who might want to go out for the night, and you can start the new year off with some extra money in your pocket.
Remember to surround yourself with a support network of people who support your sobriety. With a little creativity, you can have a fun and enjoyable New Year’s Eve celebration without using addictive substances.
Celebrating Your Successes on New Year’s Eve
Celebrating your successes is an important part of your recovery journey. Take time to reflect on your progress and accomplishments. Ask yourself the following questions:
- What have I accomplished in my recovery journey this year?
- What challenges have I overcome, and how have I grown as a result?
- What am I proud of, and how can I build on those successes in the new year?
- What lessons have I learned, and how can I apply them to my recovery moving forward?
Consider journaling or creating art that answers these questions. It’s important to take time and acknowledge how far you’ve come, so you can continue working on your goals with the right perspective. By reflecting on your progress and celebrating your successes, you can stay motivated and inspired to continue growing and thriving in your recovery.
Receive Support for Addiction at Eagle Creek Recovery
If you do slip up this holiday season, it is important to not beat yourself up too badly. Should a relapse occur this New Year’s Eve, it’s important to start the new year off by getting back on track and regaining your sobriety.
If you or a loved one needs treatment this holiday season, don’t wait any longer. Contact us today to learn how we can help you start the year with a happy, healthy, and sober life.
Clinical Director
Kendall Maloof is the clinical director at Eagle Creek Ranch Recovery. She is a licensed marriage and family therapist and has held multiple leadership roles before settling here at Eagle Creek. Kendall received her master’s degree in marriage and family therapy from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology in 2016. Her career in mental and behavioral health began in 2014 when she took up internships in both the nonprofit and for profit sectors. She interned at multiple reputable companies, such as The Living Success Center and 449 Recovery in California.
In 2019, Kendall became the clinical director of Sunsets Recovery for Woman, a dual diagnosis program in southern California. Kendall is a natural leader. She has an incredible ability to problem solve and stay calm in any situation. Kendall never fails to show up when she is needed, and her calm demeanor makes her team and clients feel at ease. Eagle Creek Ranch Recovery is proud to have Kendall as our clinical director.
