June is Pride Month, a time of celebration for the LGBTQIA+ community that’s full of events, parties and fun. As exciting as everything is, those in the sober community need to be especially mindful that with those parties comes the opportunity and temptation to stray from their recovery. As you make your celebration plans it’s just as important to have a plan in place for a safe and sober Pride.

Before replying “attending” to invitations, make sure you have all the information about the event. Will it be sober friendly, sober safe? Keep in mind that you don’t have to attend every event or say yes to every invitation. There may be gatherings that you have questions about so listen to your inner nag. If you don’t think you’ll be comfortable there, no matter how much people may want you to be there it’s OK to say no and not go.

Have your support team in place. Keep your sponsor, coach, therapist, sober friends in the loop and let them know where you’ll be and when you’ll be there. Start or join a text chain and encourage others to do the same. It’s a great way for everyone to keep an eye on each other for safety and sobriety. Just as important as keeping yourself safe is looking out for others who may need additional support. Everyone doesn’t have to stick with a group everywhere they go, but as you all circulate the best idea is to always let others know where you’re going and who you’re going with. Employing this virtual buddy system is a smart way to stay sober at these events.

For additional support have community focused sober organizations bookmarked on your phone. GaL-AA (Gays and Lesbians in Alcoholics Anonymous) or Gay & Sober are both are open to all in the LGBTQIA+ community in recovery and have information on meetings including both 12 Step and secular fellowship.

When it’s party time, make sure your phone is fully charged and loaded with the contact information for your team. Take your own non-alcoholic beverages just in case none are available where you’re going. Once you get there it’s easy to grab a cup of ice and pour your own so you don’t feel out of place. Speaking of which, if you put your drink down always make yourself a fresh one instead of searching around for the one you had. Who knows what you may be picking up in that sea of red cups. And if someone offers you a drink, a polite but firm “No thank you” is all you need to say.

Also say no thank you to non-alcoholic beer that may be available as a “sober option”. Despite its label it’s not 100% alcohol-free and can mislead you into rationalizing that you can switch to having the “real thing” without any of the consequences.

Have a plan for when it’s time to go. Whether you drive, Uber or use mass transit make sure to let your team know when you’re leaving and where you’re going. Informing everyone that you’re on your way to another party, home or a meeting makes you accountable and will help to keep the temptation to go somewhere that will put your sobriety in jeopardy at bay.

Celebrate yourself and your community wisely by making safety and sobriety your plan for Pride. You and your friends can have fun while maintaining your sobriety when you plan ahead.

 

If you, someone you know or someone you work with needs additional support while celebrating Pride, The Recovery Coach NY provides Individual and Family Coaches, Companions & Transport, Intervention and emergency services. For more information visit our website.

The Recovery Coach NY has years of experience and a vast array of resources that can help those in need find the path to the life they deserve, filled with joy and purpose. We come with an empathetic ear and solution-oriented actions that can begin to bring the relief you and your loved one seek.

You can reach out to Cindy Feinberg, President of The Recovery Coach NY via:

Phone or text: 631-921-4085

Email: recoverycoachcindy@gmail.com

Through her website: www.therecoverycoachny.com

 

Follow Cindy on Instagram: www.instagram.com/therecoverycoachny