By Marie Garceau / For The Herald
St. Patrick’s Day in 2024 is not celebrated for the same reasons it once was, as times change and holidays take on different meanings.
While some still see it as a family-centric Catholic celebration, marking the break from Lent-related restrictions, the day primarily focuses on parties, rowdy parades, green beer, bar specials, and heavy drinking.
While there are undoubtedly good times had by all who take part, suppose someone is in recovery from alcoholism, choosing a healthy lifestyle, or recently decided to give up alcohol for whatever reason. Not every sober individual avoids social gatherings, but there are practical tips you can use to protect your sobriety.
For instance, remind yourself why you are sober, and don’t do it alone. You can still have fun and celebrate, but do it with other sober people. Everyone has their reasons for stopping drinking; remind yourself of those reasons and hold yourself accountable.
Know your triggers; it doesn’t matter if you are a recovering addict or have removed alcohol from your life. Be cautious around possible triggers that pose a challenge. Most people in this situation choose to skip the bar and find something fun to do or go to a sober St. Patrick’s Day celebration.
Keep a non-alcoholic drink or mocktail in your hand. People will not bother you to ask if you want a drink if you already have something to sip on, like a mocktail. This also leads to planning how to say no. You will encounter social pressure if you go to a bar on St. Patrick’s Day. It’s unavoidable. It’s wise to practice ways to refuse alcohol.
Finally, if all else fails, take a walk outside if you feel overwhelmed. The most straightforward solutions are usually the best. Remove yourself from any situation you know will lead to relapse. This is also why it’s essential to be with a sober friend or loved one; there is accountability and someone to lean on.
Additionally, we should recognize the personal and social benefits of sobriety. Any sober person knows they saw drastic improvements in their physical and mental health. There are countless health benefits. The societal benefits are significant, as one more sober person means one less individual potentially driving while impaired.
While most individuals do not set out to be drunk or under the influence of drugs, alcohol and drugs cause poor judgment. According to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, between 2017 and 2021, 32 percent of fatal crashes in Washington involved alcohol-positive drivers. Alcohol and drugs continue to be a leading risk factor in traffic fatalities.
If you are sober and celebrating over the weekend, take steps to protect your sobriety and look out for another. If you’re consuming alcohol, drink responsibly, know your limits, and do not drink and drive.
Marie Garceau has worked in the field of substance use and addiction recovery for over a decade. She works at DRS — addicted.org — and primarily focuses on reaching out to the community and spreading awareness.
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