Celebrating Your Sober Halloween
If you have been used to celebrating Halloween in a haze of drugs and alcohol, you may be worried you will feel like you're missing out on the fun when you’re staying sober. If you’re struggling to come up with some seasonal and enjoyable activities to do on Oct. 31 this year, discover a new sense of inspiration with these ideas.1. Go All-Out on Your Decorating
It’s never too late to transform your house into the spookiest one in your neighborhood. Now that you’re not wasting all your money buying drugs or alcohol, you probably have some extra cash to buy black-and-orange lights, fake cobwebs, tombstones, skeletons and all the other trappings. Even if you’re on a limited budget, there are plenty of affordable DIY Halloween decorating ideas you can use to scare all the neighbors. Seeing the delight on the faces of kids and adults who come around to trick-or-treat will make all your efforts feel worthwhile.2. Host a Horror Movie Marathon
Round up your favorite scary movies, then invite a couple of supportive friends over to your home to watch with you. This option is ideal if you are unsure if you’ll be able to avoid the triggers of alcohol and drugs at someone else’s party. Organizing a get-together in an environment where you have full control over factors such as who will be there and what refreshments you will serve will ensure you stay sober on Halloween.3. Have a Pumpkin-Decorating Contest
It doesn’t truly feel like Halloween has arrived until you get a few pumpkins and start carving a scary (or silly) masterpiece. Hit up a nearby pumpkin patch or farmers’ market to pick out the perfect canvas on which to create, and invite some sober friends over to join the fun. When you’re finished decorating, you can judge who created the best jack-o’-lantern of them all. If you’re stuck for ideas on what to carve, download some templates online. And if you’re looking for a tasty, healthy snack, don’t forget to save the seeds for roasting.4. Hit up a Haunted House or Ghost Tour
If you’re the type who loves a good scare, Halloween is the perfect day to go through a haunted house or take a ghost tour with a few brave friends. Or, you can research places near you that have a reputation for being haunted and design a custom ghost tour for you and your “boo crew.”5. Volunteer for the Night
Often, the best way to enjoy a sober Halloween is to give back to others in the community. Many churches and family shelters host seasonal costume parties or trick-or-treating events for families who are going through hard times. Not only is volunteering an excellent way to enjoy Halloween sober, but you’ll also have the joy of knowing you did something nice for others.Get Sober and Happy This Fall
Even though you won’t be drinking or using drugs this Halloween, you can have as much fun on the holiday as much as everyone else – or even more. Whether you decide to do one of these sober Halloween activities, or branch out on your own, make sure to surround yourself with people who love you and respect your need to protect your sobriety.If you are a young adult wrestling with substance misuse issues, you can get your life back and reclaim your full potential. At Hope Academy, our programming will help you learn to become healthy, resilient and goal-oriented. Contact us today to start revealing who you are without the crutch of drugs and alcohol.
