The holidays are often celebrated with the toasts and cheers of alcoholic drinks at family or office parties. This can be a challenging time for people who suffer from alcohol use disorder and substance addiction in Georgia and elsewhere. You, a family member, or a friend may be in their recovery process during this special time of the year. If you are curious about hosting a sober holiday gathering, there are many effective ways to successfully pull it off with the help of a recovery center like Atlanta Detox Center.

At Atlanta Detox Center, our team can help you learn tips and techniques to enjoy sober holidays and sober celebrations. Part of our alcohol addiction treatment program includes strategies for attending or hosting a sober holiday gathering. If you or a loved one is worried about staying sober throughout the holiday season, reach out to our team today by filling out our online form or calling 470-450-2355. Our Atlanta Detox Center team has composed a list of some of the ways to ensure your sober holiday gathering is a success.

Inform Your Guests in Advance About Your Sober Holiday Gathering

If you are planning a sober holiday gathering, let your guests know in advance. This way, no one will bring any alcoholic drinks. You may be surprised to find out how understanding people can be. If you invite a person who has attended an alcohol addiction treatment program, and they decline, do not take it personally. They may not be comfortable attending a large gathering because it may trigger feelings they wish to avoid.

Serve Non-Alcoholic Drinks at Your Sober Holiday Gathering

Just because it’s a sober gathering doesn’t mean people shouldn’t be having fun. You can serve non-alcoholic drinks; make sure they are clearly free of alcohol to guests since it may incite memories associated with drinking. You can provide fresh fruit with sparkling water, juices, chocolate drinks, and fruit sodas.

Hold Your Sober Holiday Gathering Earlier

Maintaining holiday sobriety is not as challenging as you may think. Most parties that serve alcohol are set on the weekend or in the evening, which may be a trigger for some people. Try hosting your sober holiday gathering as a brunch or breakfast.

Add Music or Movies to Your Sober Holiday Gathering

Awesome parties are possible even without alcohol. A good host or hostess knows how to ensure everyone is comfortable and having fun. If you want to go the extra mile, hire a DJ, or fill up your playlist with good music. You may also have movies and videos playing in the background.

Set Up Activities and Food at Your Sober Holiday Gathering

Your goal is to keep your guests entertained. The last thing you want is to have guests feeling bored and craving a drink. To avoid this, set up fun board games or card stations around the venue. You can also get guests to play a round of classic games like Pictionary or Charades. Other activities worth considering include:

  • Photobooth
  • Christmas trivia
  • Guessing game
  • Song bingo

Besides the non-alcohol drinks, you can also showcase your talents by providing good food at your sober gathering. This also helps maintain your guests’ holiday sobriety after attending a residential addiction treatment program. You may serve food like:

  • Trail mix
  • Vegan chips and dip
  • Chicken wings
  • Salads
  • Cold cuts with cheese

If you don’t have time to prepare, make it a potluck. Whether you serve finger foods or heavy meals, this will keep your guests occupied and allow them to graze throughout the celebration.

Do Not Initiate Conversations About the Past at Your Sober Holiday Gathering

Do not make the lack of alcohol a reason to romanticize the past, especially those times when you could drink all you want. This is a time to celebrate holiday sobriety and make fun new memories that will last a lifetime. If you plan well, you can throw an unforgettable sober holiday gathering that your guests will talk about for years.

Alcohol Addiction Treatment at Atlanta Detox Center

Our Atlanta Detox Center team proudly provides comprehensive care for alcohol addiction. We will be with you for every step of your recovery, from detox to our alumni program. Our addiction specialists and therapists have years of experience in the addiction treatment field, so we can help you celebrate life without alcohol during the holidays and throughout the rest of the year.

Throw a Fun Sober Holiday Gathering with Support from Atlanta Detox Center

The holidays can be a tough time for someone in recovery. However, holding a sober holiday gathering can help. Please remember that if you live in Georgia and are dealing with substance use or having a hard time re-engaging with other people, you can contact Atlanta Detox Center today to know more about our detox programs and addiction treatment therapies.

At Atlanta Detox Center, our staff and facilities can help ease your burden during the Christmas and New Year seasons. Contact Atlanta Detox Center today by calling 470-450-2355 or completing our secure online form for more information about hosting a sober holiday gathering.

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