Just Another Day: Staying Sober on Halloween

Just because you’re sober doesn’t mean you have to be lame. I’m willing to bet that you are much more fun, interesting, and outgoing now that you’re not addicted to alcohol and other drugs. That’s been my experience, at least. And it’s what I have heard from my fellow sober friends. With that being said, I acknowledge that certain occasions and holidays might feel a little strange or awkward without that social lubricant we call alcohol. And right around the corner is one of those “holidays” – Halloween.

A good cornerstone to any Halloween is the costume party. Besides the usual staples: candy corn and skimpy costumes, these often involve drinking. So, how to stay sober on Halloween? There are many ways to approach this subject.

Throw your own costume party and make it known that it is an alcohol-free occasion. You can invite both your sober friends and your “normie” friends, just be sure that everyone is on the same page. You can include something about “Alcohol-free” or “Sober” in the name of your party on the invite, or Facebook event page. You don’t have to be weird about it, though.

If you’re attending someone else’s party and it is likely that alcohol will be present, make sure you go with some good, sober friends that you can trust to keep you accountable and that you can do the same for them.

And, if you’re like me, you may want to do something other than attend the typical party (not really my scene). Other ways of staying sober on Halloween while at the same time enjoying yourself include:

Nothing says “Autumn” like a good bonfire party. Gather your friends and build a bonfire; make it a party. Be sure to have plenty of marshmallows to roast and make s’mores.  Be sure to bring a sound system, plug in Pandora or Spotify and set the party mood that way. All while keeping warm and staying sober at the same time.

Researching the best haunted houses in your area and organizing a tour of them with your friends. After all, no Halloween is complete without a trip to a spooky Haunted House or houses. Having a good scare is a great sober way to have fun. Or, get a kick out of the cheesy gimmicks and gags that are supposed to be scary but just aren’t. There’s nothing like a genuine, good belly laugh that you just don’t get to experience when you’re all messed up.

No Halloween is complete without having a pumpkin-carving contest amongst your friends . Decide on prizes for the winners and make homemade pumpkin pies with the remnants of the carved pumpkins. Then donate the pies and carved pumpkins to local soup kitchens or other programs that could use them.

Throwing a scary movie marathon is yet another way to have sober fun on Halloween. Get a group of friends together at the coziest of your friends’ houses and have everyone bring their favorite scary movie or cheesiest “B” horror movie. Have snacks or make it a potluck. Bring pillows and sleeping bags and make it an all-night affair.

If you or someone you love is seeking help for substance abuse or addiction please call toll free 1-800-951-6135