While the fall season is full of pumpkin patches and apple picking, it also includes many fall festivals and celebrations that can tempt those trying to remain sober. But those fighting young adult addiction don’t have to fall victim to temptations as they work to maintain their sobriety. There are plenty of ways to stay sober and enjoy the season without using substances. We will share some ideas to help young adults make the most of the season without feeling left out.
Why Seasonal Events Can Hinder Sobriety
Spiked ciders, Oktoberfests, and special fall brews are all a big part of fall parties and gatherings. While those without a substance use disorder may be able to enjoy these things in moderation, they can put young adults with substance use disorders at a greater chance of relapse.
Also, since these festivities occur during the fall months, many can be impacted by seasonal affective disorder (SAD). This is a type of depression that arises commonly during the fall and winter due to the shorter days and less daylight.[1] This can trigger chemical changes in the brain that can lead to depression. Depression is a major cause of alcohol and drug use, so anything that triggers these emotional and mental responses is a threat to sobriety.
How a Young Adult Can Remain Sober Amongst Addiction Recovery During Fall Festivals and Parties
For young adults trying to stay sober while enjoying fall events, the key is to look for alternatives that are still fun but won’t be a temptation or a trigger. The first step is researching and learning what places, events, and people will most likely host what you want to avoid. Once you know what these are, you can plan to avoid them by looking for alternate activities. Here are some suggestions that are fun to enjoy with friends and family:
Plan a Sober Party
One of the best ways to ensure there will be no alcohol or drugs at a party is to plan it yourself. Host a sober party that still has food and fun activities, just no substances. Be sure your guest list does not involve people who may tempt your sobriety, and you should be ready to go!
Movie Night
The fall season is a great time to plan a movie night. Depending on your location, you can do this outside or inside. Make a whole event by preparing food with your friends and binge on movie after movie.
Pumpkin and Apple Picking
Take a trip to the pumpkin patch or apple orchard for traditional pumpkin and apple picking. This is a fall favorite that is substance-free. Many orchards and pumpkin patches also offer other fall activities like hayrides and corn mazes. Take part in everything the season has to offer!
Pumpkin Decorating Contest
Who said pumpkin carving and decorating is just for kids? Host a pumpkin decorating contest for young adults and give prizes for the best decorated and carved pumpkin to make things more competitive!
Cook or Bake Your Favorite Fall Dish
If you enjoy spending time in the kitchen, cook or bake your favorite fall dish. You can host a fall potluck dinner where everyone brings their favorite seasonal item they’ve made. This is a great way to stay social and enjoy an alcohol-free and drug-free evening with friends.
Go Horseback Riding
Animals can be very therapeutic to those who have gone through a treatment program and are trying to maintain their sobriety. Look for guided horseback rides in your area. You can go with a group, partner, or alone. This fun fall activity allows you to connect with nature and maybe even find a new hobby!
Host a Craft Night
If you love arts and crafts, host a craft night and tell everyone to bring their creativity! Ideas for fall crafts include wreaths, candle holders, and painted mugs.
As you try one or several of these fall activities, it’s essential to not only set boundaries by not seeking out people or places that contributed to your addiction but also to be patient with yourself. Fighting off temptation while still trying to have fun takes work. Allow yourself the time to adjust and navigate your way to living a sober life all year.
Seek Help for Young Adult Addiction at Ember Recovery
If you or a loved one has a substance use disorder, Ember Recovery is here to help. Since our programs are specifically for teens and young adults, we can focus on their issues and how they can overcome them to live sober lives.
When teens and young adults enter our program, they receive a customized plan that can include different types of therapy sessions and other options to help them get sober. We also offer aftercare planning to help patients deal with the issues they may face after their treatment. We realize that there are many obstacles they may face, and we provide the tools to help them succeed.
Contact Ember Recovery today to learn more about how our programs help to fight young adult addiction in Iowa.
Source:
[1] https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/seasonal-affective-disorder
Andrea Dickerson is a Licensed Therapist and Certified Substance Use Counselor who has worked in behavioral health since 1997. Currently, Andrea is the Director of Behavioral Health, overseeing the Ember residential treatment programs and YSS outpatient counseling clinics throughout Central and North Central Iowa. She became a Motivational Interviewing (MI) trainer in 2006 and provides MI trainings throughout Iowa.
Andrea specializes in working with adolescents and their families and enjoys seeing the family relationships grow through therapy. Andrea is also a CARF International Surveyor, going around North America ensuring behavioral health organizations are meeting required standards.
In her free time, Andrea enjoys cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes and Chicago Cubs, as well as being an active member of Soroptimist International of the Americas (SIA), a global organization that provides women and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment. She has been a member of the SI of Des Moines club since 2012 and has been actively involved at the regional level, currently serving as Co-Governor of the Peaks to Plains Region.
Through her involvement in SIA, Andrea has been actively involved in the Dream Programs, coordinating annual Dream It, Be It: Career Support for Girls projects, which give girls the tools they need to achieve their education and career goals, empowering them to break cycles of poverty, violence, and abuse.