First Sober Fourth of July: Surviving the Holiday Without Addiction Relapse

The fourth of July is significant for alcoholics and addicts in several ways. The Declaration of Independence was a statement of separation from a tyrannical ruler. With separating from the past they embarked on a new way of life. Many people come into treatment just after the Fourth of July, after having had a "close call", a DUI, a wife who left, or after totally embarrassing or humiliating themselves in drunken or drugged stupor. Once someone identifies that his life has been controlled by something other than himself (the disease), he declares his independence by quitting drinking/drugging and embarks on a new way of life in recovery.

If this is the first sober Fourth of July, it can mark a vulnerability to relapse. There are several holidays that are strongly associated with drinking. The Fourth of July is one. Many, if not most alcoholics and addicts grow up in families of origin where drinking was a part of the family culture and holidays were a golden opportunity to drink. Regardless of whether it was outdoor barbeques, community firework events, boating on the lake, the beer coolers were out in full force.

Many people in recovery find themselves expected to attend family functions where the alcohol is still flowing freely. Those who are newly recovering should take extra care to not endanger their fragile sobriety in these family or other social circle events. The Fourth of July can be one's holiday of Independence. With planning ahead, recovery can be safeguarded by the pro-active decisions made.

Some suggestions for proactive decision making would involve identifying historical family or social patterns in Fourth of July events before the invitation is accepted. It is helpful to keep in mind that it is possible to say no to invitations that could endanger your recovery. It is also permissible to request that alcohol not be served. Many people feel too self-conscious to request that alcohol not be served, for fear of it being an imposition, or appearing inferior in the eyes of others. Such a request would only be viewed as a grave imposition if others in the social circle also have alcohol problems. It is very important to stay away from exposure to alcohol in early recovery.

This Fourth of July can be the beginning of a new life for the newly recovering alcoholic and family. New family traditions can start now. There are many different kinds of celebrations that you can do for the Fourth of July that do not involve alcohol. Consider some of these:

Going to an AA/NA sponsored event.

Have your picnic, cookout, fireworks with all kinds of other beverages, without alcohol.

Have a movie marathon in your living room.

Have a get together with recovering friends and family.

Do a fifth step in your 12 step program.

Go to a community celebration where there no alcohol is served or permitted.