If you’re in recovery, you know that it can be hard to adapt to holidays that used to center around getting trashed. The good news: as you progress in your new, sober lifestyle, you and your family and friends will create new traditions. You’ll remember the memories you make together. If you’re ready to slide into the holiday season in a healthier way than ever before, you don’t have to do it alone. At Crestview Recovery, our 12 step program in Portland Oregon, is here to support you in taking the steps you need to rise above substance use and work toward a sober lifestyle. Whether you’re already in recovery or just starting to experiment with the idea of a sober lifestyle, check out these drug and booze-free ideas to have fun this Halloween.
Go Big For Trick Or Treaters
One of the best ways to keep your mind off of partying is to get busy, and one of the coolest ways to do that in the fall is to go all out decorating your house. Whether you want to have the most whimsical or scary house on the block, put your mind to decorating your heart out. When it’s time for kids to trick or treat, watch their eyes light up as they see all the work you put in to create an amazing experience for them.
Sober Halloween Movie Night
Love the social aspect of Halloween, but ready to skip the parties this year? Hosting a scary movie night is a great way to get friends together without needing drugs or booze to have fun. Pick a theme – 80s movies, slasher films, psychological thrillers – and serve up amazing apps and desserts to entertain your guests.
Get Sweaty
Many communities host 5K runs and walks on or around Halloween. Walking or running a race is a great way to get out some anxious energy if this is your first sober Halloween. While you’re there, stop by a local running club booth to learn more about the workouts they offer. Finding a sober circle of friends and new activities is an important part of leading a successful sober living. After you give your all in the race, you won’t have to feel too guilty about going nuts on leftover Halloween candy.
Pack Your Bags
If you’re used to getting wasted with friends every Halloween, it can be tough to say no when the party invitations start rolling in. This is especially true for people who are new to recovery. If you’re not yet in a place where you feel comfortable talking about your recovery with friends, there’s nothing wrong with hitting the road for the weekend. Use Halloween weekend to visit your parents, family, and or friends who understand and are supportive of your recovery. You’ll come back feeling rested and refreshed while your old friends are nursing their hangovers.
Get Help – Crestview Recovery Is Here For You
If you’re thinking about the Halloween parties coming up and feeling anxious, we get it. Many of us have been there. It’s hard to say no to substance use, even when you know it’s not what you want for your mind and body. You don’t have to go through this journey alone. At Crestview Recovery, we’re not only here to help you have a sober Halloween – we’re here to help you have a sober life.
We offer a number of different substance use treatments, including:
- Adderall addiction rehab
- Alcohol addiction rehab
- Cocaine addiction rehab
- Heroin/opioid/oxycodone/painkiller addiction rehab
- Meth addiction rehab
- Prescription drug addiction rehab
- Xanax addiction rehab
This October, make it a sober Halloween. Your mind and body will thank you. If you need help with substance use, Crestview Recovery is here to help. Call us at 866.262.0531 to learn more and discover if what we offer is a good fit for your needs.
Since 2016, Dr. Merle Williamson, a graduate of Oregon Health Sciences University, has been the Medical Director at Crestview Recovery, bringing a rich background in addiction medicine from his time at Hazelden Treatment Center. He oversees outpatient drug and alcohol treatments, providing medical care, setting policies, detox protocols, and quality assurance measures. Before specializing in addiction medicine, he spent 25 years in anesthesiology, serving as Chair of Hospital Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Chief of Anesthesia at Kaiser Permanente. This experience gives him a unique perspective on treating prescription drug addiction.
