For example, if it’s a sober birthday or a milestone in substance abuse recovery, let guests know their presence will be greatly appreciated. Letting people know what the event is about makes them feel included and more likely to attend. The first step in planning any sobriety party is to consider the theme of your celebration. Consider what makes this milestone important to you and how you want guests to feel at your event.

Avoid Non-Alcoholic Beer (But Do Have Fun Drinks!)

• Your birthday is the perfect time for you to try a new activity, to relax, or to do something intimate with your closest friends.
• Like an adult slumber party or board game night, a laser tag or paintball party will surely unleash your inner kid.
• Consider giving out custom-made items like personalized medallions or journals with words of encouragement written inside.
• A piece of jewelry such as a bracelet, ring or necklace is a great, safe gift choice for someone who already likes wearing jewelry.
• If your loved ones are foodies, consider making the party a potluck instead.

FIRST, early in recovery, it is easy to mistake hunger pangs for alcohol/drug cravings –eliminate that risk by keeping your guests well-fed. SECOND, many people who have recently returned to a sober lifestyle make a conscious effort to eat healthier. Throwing a party – and staying sober – when you’re in addiction recovery doesn’t have to be a drag.

Have a Party Earlier in the Day

A beach BBQ or picnic at the park can be fun, and the entertainment is built into the setting. A few weeks before the party, have attendees submit ideas for the destination and then have everyone vote. When people think of a house party, alcohol usually comes to mind, so switching up the environment may help downplay the “sober” aspect of the party for people who are triggered by the setting. I was not sure about it first but I went ahead and started the treatment from them anyways and so far it’s been a dream.

Engaging Activities

• This could also mean that several guests aren’t comfortable with mocktails.
• Despite bars being the go-to birthday party idea for adults, booze and birthdays don’t automatically go hand-in-hand.
• Before sending out invites for your sober party, take a moment to reflect and commend yourself for taking steps toward branching out and socializing without the need for drinks or drugs.
• Achieving and maintaining sobriety is a difficult journey to tackle by yourself.

Whether you’re in recovery or sober curious, parties without alcohol can be tricky to figure out. And if you’ve been having trouble sticking to your guns when surrounded by friends who drink, you’re not alone. Since you’ll be leaving out the alcohol, you can focus your energy on mixing up some festive, alcohol-free drinks for yourself and your guests. And if you’re not sure where to start, the good news is that there are tons of mocktail recipes out there for nearly any occasion. Allow your guests to make their own choices regarding what they want to consume or participate in. It’s essential to remember that not everyone will want to participate in the planned icebreaker game, particularly introverts.

Signs You’re Dating an Alcoholic and What to Do

And generally speaking, the more congeners an alcohol has, the worse the hangover. Send me exclusive offers, unique gift ideas, and personalized tips for shopping and selling on Etsy. Morgan is a mental health counselor who works alongside individuals of all backgrounds struggling drug addiction treatment with eating disorders.

By providing options, you can increase their level of comfort and ensure the success of your sober party. When choosing a location for your sober party, consider taking it elsewhere if you’re uncomfortable hosting it at home, like a park, the beach, a clubhouse with a pool, or an amusement park. However, make sure the location you choose doesn’t serve alcohol to avoid any potential slip-ups. Additionally, commemorating one’s sober birthday fosters a sense of support and 1 year sober party ideas camaraderie.