First sober halloween

Struggling Help
#1

i’m just about 6 months sober, so this will be my first sober halloween since i was 12. historically, this is a night when i totally destroy myself. i live on an especially active halloween street, so it’s impossible to ignore the festivities. also, my son won’t be home which is a trigger in itself.

that annoying voice has been at me all month insisting it’s fine to drink on halloween because it’s impossible not to. it’s preoccupation. it’s taking up too much headspace. it’s exhausting. i know it wants to exhaust me.

i’m so proud of my six months. i feel so good! i don’t want to ruin it!

so, i have a bunch of candy for the kids and lots of scary movies lined up. i wish i had a sober friend, but i don’t really. maybe i have to think harder on that. anyway, i just want a plan so i don’t mess up.

welcoming any tips!! my first idea was to knock myself out with pills—UGH addiction is a monster.

7 Likes
#2

Congrats on 6 months that’s amazing !! I’m 4 days sober after going a year sober. My birthday is on Halloween so I know the feeling. I need a sober friend as well that will hold me accountable. Feel free to reach out, we got this !!

1 Like
#3

thanks, mark! congrats on day four and happy almost birthday!!

1 Like
#4

Congrats on 6 months! I understand holidays can be rough but you can do this!!

2 Likes
#6

Order some of those new drinks you see on FB. I really like urelax. Do it sooner than later if you want them in time. It works.

1 Like
#7

Stay sober for the kids and in return it'll also be for yourself.
I too would get wasted on Halloween for years on end and now sober I can appreciate being able to hand out candy and sleep in early on those nights that trigger me.
You have to give yourself credit for reaching 6 months, I too am proud of you would like to congratulate you for getting this far. Keep up the good work and stay sober on that day to be able to wake up the next day and enjoy a morning walk or jog, while all the kids in your community are recovering from a candy-binge.

2 Likes
#8

Congratulations on 6 months!! :raised_hands:t3: And good job recognizing that little voice of addiction trying to mess you up- it’s insidious!
One thing that Ive found helpful is to plan a treat for yourself the day AFTER the triggering holiday. It gets some of the attention away from “October 31st” (or December 25, July 4, etc) and gives you an extra incentive to make it through to the next day sober.
(For example, I take myself on a hike on January 1st, go get a pedicure on July 5th, get a massage the day after my birthday, etc).

2 Likes
#9

I had to alter every pattern in my life that I associated with my addiction. Basically, I lived a different life. I had to give up places, foods, people, sitting on the deck relaxing, etc. I also added new things to fill the void created by the things I no longer participated in or with. I continued to monetarily pay what I was spending on addiction. I just paid it to my gift fund. In a few months, I had saved more than enough for my husband & I to take a nice week long cruise & buy celebratory gifts. It made me consciously aware of just how much addiction had cost me physically, mentally, emotionally, relationally, and monetarily. I gave myself & my brain 2 full years of growing & re-wiring before I agreed to go to a restaurant or an event or partake in anything that previously would have been an addiction feast.
The neuroplasticity of our brains is powerful. Understanding it makes the hope of sobriety & addiction freedom real for people like me that believed I was doomed & quitting was just not in the cards.

2 Likes
#10

I totally get it. That’s why I’m here because I don’t have people in my life that can truly relate. They never struggled with addiction. You are going to have to take that day an hour at a time heck a minute at a time if you have to. You have a lot of time in and it will not be worth it and you know that. Starting back on day one sucks so bad. You can do it. You got to keep on fighting the battle. I try to remember all the people who lost the battle or are being dragged around life by addiction. It’s not way to live. Take care and stay strong.

1 Like
#11

6 months is no small feat. It's a big deal. Don't lose 6 months on a holiday or anything else.

I know you want to participate in the festivities but you don't need to be home because you'll be around a ton of triggers.

Leave the candy in a bowl on your porch. Go see a movie at your local theater. You have got to put yourself first. Don't compromise your sobriety to make trick-or-treaters or anyone else happy.

1 Like
#12

Well this can be the first of many sober Halloweens for sure! You can definitely figure out how to enjoy it without putting poison in your body.

1 Like