Americans consume copious amounts of drinks on St. Patrick’s Day. A recent survey from American Addiction Centers puts the celebration of all things Irish third behind Mardi Gras and New Year’s Eve among the booziest U.S. holidays. If you feel that binge drinking is a problem on holidays or any other day, the Atlanta Detox Center in Atlanta, Georgia, has an alcohol addiction treatment program that can help you focus on sober living.

St. Patrick’s Day Holiday Drinking

On St. Patrick’s Day, someone dies every thirty minutes due to alcohol-related car crashes. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, three out of five fatal crashes on this day involve holiday drinking. Further, one-third of pedestrians killed on St. Patrick’s Day have high blood alcohol levels.

Social holiday drinking on St. Patrick’s Day relates to the Christian observance of Lent. During Lent, many Christians abstain from indulgences such as unhealthy foods and alcoholic drinks. St. Patrick was a Christian missionary in Ireland beloved by his followers and millions of Irish citizens. So, Irish Christians get a free pass to break the austerity of Lent to celebrate on this day.

Thanks to modern advertising, you don’t have to be Irish or celebrate Lent to raise a toast to St. Patrick on March 17th. Many bars and restaurants feature green food and beverages. However, if you have a history of alcohol abuse, you might want to skip binge-drinking on this social holiday.

Enjoy St. Patrick’s Day Without Alcohol Abuse

If you have completed an alcohol detox program and want to maintain your sobriety, here are some tips to avoid relapsing on St. Patrick’s Day:

  • Ask for help – Recruit people you trust to help you remain accountable for your recovery.
  • Practice sober celebrating – You can eat Irish food, watch Irish movies, and drink O’Doul’s or another nonalcoholic Irish beer.
  • Have a “mocktail” – Find great recipes for virgin daiquiris or mocktinis. This can help you avoid feeling left out without social drinking.
  • Attend sober events – Many cities have parades and other events to celebrate Irish heritage. Attend events that do not serve alcohol to have fun while avoiding triggers.

Drink in Moderation

If you have a history of alcohol use disorder but plan to drink on St. Patrick’s Day, here are some tips to help you get home safe:

  • Appoint a designated driver – Grab a Lyft or Uber ride, call a taxi, or travel with a designated driver.
  • Pace yourself – Stick to beverages with low alcohol content.
  • Set a time limit – Avoid pub crawls and other drinking-centered excursions. Go to one place, pace yourself, and set a time limit for your evening.
  • Eat solid food and drink lots of water – Eating a substantial meal can help your body process alcohol more effectively. Drinking lots of water can prevent a hangover and keep your body hydrated.

It takes a lot of strength to stay sober and avoid holiday drinking. If you slip up and find yourself reverting to old habits, the women’s rehab program and men’s rehab program at Atlanta Detox Center can help you get back on track.

Atlanta Detox Center’s Alcohol Addiction Treatment Program

At Atlanta Detox Center in Atlanta, Georgia, we can help you master coping mechanisms that you can use to avoid alcohol abuse on St. Patrick’s Day and other social drinking holidays. Through 12-step programs, behavioral therapy, and holistic approaches, our licensed psychologists and psychiatrists guide you through a personalized recovery plan. We can help you enroll in a residential addiction treatment program or provide tips on how to avoid holiday drinking.

Enjoy a Sober St. Patrick’s Day With Our Help

Don’t let alcohol abuse ruin St. Patrick’s Day. Our team can help you enjoy the holiday without alcohol. Contact us today by calling 470-450-2355 or completing our secure online form for more information.

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